UFC 281: Michael Chiesa expects "smooth, one-way traffic" in title fight between Carla Esparza and Zhang Weili - "You gotta have more tools in the bag to beat her than just one" 

Michael Chiesa (left), Zhang Weili (middle) and Carla Esparza (right)
Michael Chiesa (left), Zhang Weili (middle) and Carla Esparza (right)

UFC welterweight Michael Chiesa recently sat down with Paul Felder to discuss the upcoming UFC 281 main card.

Two title fights are set to take place on the card, with the women's strawweight belt being contested in the co-main event. Carla Esparza will hope to defend the belt for the first time in her career. Her opponent, Zhang Weili, will look to reclaim the title she once held.

'Magnum' is currently the favorite ahead of the bout, with many fans feeling like she will be too powerful for Esparza. One such person is Michael Chiesa, who believes that Zhang will be crowned the new champion on Saturday.

Whilst discussing the UFC 281 co-main on the UFC Round-Up show, Chiesa said:

"You gotta have more tools in the bag to beat her [Zhang Weili] than just one. You gotta have a lot more ways to throw her off her game. Just watching her train, it's a sight to be seen... This will be a tough fight for Carla, I feel like it could be smooth, one way traffic."

Watch the video below:

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Michael Chiesa feels the key for Dustin Poirier is getting through the first round against Chandler

Dustin Poirier will take on Michael Chandler on the main card of UFC 281. The fight will see two of the best lightweights in the world face off in pursuit of another shot at gold.

Both men are known to put on exciting fights and many are expecting the pair to secure Fight of the Night honors at UFC 281. With 13 first-round knockouts between them, expect fireworks from the first bell until the last.

According to analyst and No.12-ranked UFC welterweight Michael Chiesa, the key to Dustin Poirier winning this fight is surviving the opening round. Whilst previewing the fight with Felder, Chiesa said the following:

"Because there is gonna be that five-minute window at the beginning of that fight where you are going to have to walk through the fires of hell of Michael Chandler. Because that first round, is when he is the most dangerous. He might be the most dangerous fighter on the entire roster in that first round. You know he's gonna come at you hard."

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