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Carla Esparza lost her UFC women's strawweight title at UFC 281 as she was submitted in the second round by Zhang Weili. Esparza became the women's strawweight champion for the second time after defeating Rose Namajunas in an underwhelming fight at UFC 274.
After losing her belt in her first title defense, fans debated whether her title reign was the worst in UFC history.
Reddit user @Crackkk18 posed the question by including a picture of Carla Esparza and captioning the post:
"Worst title reign ever?"
@LifelongLurker1127 responded by suggesting the inaugural women's flyweight and women's featherweight title holders:
"Nicco Montano, or Germaine de Randemie"
@tequilasauer seconded that sentiment, noting that Germaine de Randamie won the belt in controversial fashion:
"GDR way worse. Not only for what happened with her 'reign' but also the cheapshots after the bell that went unpenalized in the controversial decision that won her the title."
@SnooBeans7129 added more background, noting that Montano continued to withdraw from fights, while de Randamie refused to fight Cris Cyborg:
"Not even the worst female title reign [for Esparza]. De Randamie and Montano had worse reigns. Montaño pulled out of fights until she was stripped [of the title]."
@SnooBeans7129 continued:
"De randamie hit Holly Holm twice after the bell and was given a free pass without having points taken away, which would have made the fight a draw. She [GDR] then preceeded to vacate the belt because she didn't want to fight Cyborg. Carla at least went and tried to defend the title."
@Proof-Republic4706 used the thread to poke fun at Conor McGregor:
"[Esparza had] As many title defences as Conor [McGregor]."
@K1NGCRIMZON pointed out the difference between Esparza and McGregor's title reigns:
"At least she stepped in the octagon to defend her belt."
Check out the comments below:
Zhang Weili is unsure why fans booed Carla Esparza
Following her submission victory over Carla Esparza, Zhang Weili was asked about the crowd's reaction to her opponent leading up to the fight. At UFC 274, Esparza won the strawweight title against Rose Namajunas in a bout severely devoid of action. Perhaps that's why the audience at MSG was booing her.
The new women's strawweight champion shared that she was unsure why the crowd was unsupportive towards Esparza:
"“I have no idea too. I want to know why, but I guess probably because the fans, they love my fighting style... I don’t know, but for myself, my mindset’s more peaceful right now, so no matter you like me or hate me, or boo me or cheer for me, I love you all. I love you all.”
Zhang Weili was able to become the third woman to win the women's strawweight title twice, joining Carla Esparza and Rose Namajunas.
Watch Zhang Weili discuss the crowd's reaction to Carla Esparza below (starting at the 6:20 mark):
