Trong một cuộc trò chuyện với Chủ tịch UFC Dana White trên show “Hot boxin' with Mike Tyson”, Mike Tyson đã đề cập đến trận tranh đai vô địch hạng strawweight nữ sẽ diễn ra tại UFC 261 tới đây, ngày 24 tháng 4. Giữa nhà vô địch Zhang Weili và kẻ khiêu chiến Rose Namajunas, Mike Tyson không chỉ cho rằng Namajunas sẽ trở thành tân vương, mà còn cảnh báo Zhang Weili:
“I think she (Namajunas) will” destroy “Zhang,” Mike Tyson said.
After hearing the information above, Zhang Weili showed her discontent. Chinese female boxers said: “Tyson has no right to comment because he doesn't know anything about MMA. He doesn't know anything about me.”
“I will not be affected but instead will try my best. And if possible, I ask Tyson to try MMA on my own,” Zhang said.
Commenting on the opponent Namajunas, Zhang Weili said she knew very well about both the strengths and weaknesses of the opponent Rose Namajunas, and Zhang had “special” preparing her skill for the belt protection match.
Currently at the age of 30, Zhang believes that China is a great market for UFC's expansion and expressing hope that more and more Chinese people see and try MMA. She said she also wanted to see an “UFC Chinese derby” event in the near future. When asked what she wanted to say to the supporters before leaving, Zhang said:
“No matter what difficulty, you have to overcome instead of trying to escape.”
“A person's potential is infinite. We have to stimulate it and pursue our dreams.”