UFC Women’s Strawweight champion Carla Esparza recently revealed to fans when she is planning to make her return to the octagon.
Esparza was last seen in the cage at UFC 274, where she defeated Rose Namajunas to earn the 115-pound title after five rounds via split decision.
There are a number of different fighters who could be considered as the next challenger to the champion, including Weili Zhang or even the former champ Namajunas, so fans will be happy to learn that Esparza could be back sooner than expected!
Here is what Carla Esparza had to say with regards to her return to the octagon to defend her UFC Women’s Strawweight title.
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Carla Esparza Next Fight
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 07: Carla Esparza (R) kicks Rose Namajunas in their women’s strawweight championship bout during UFC 274 at Footprint Center on May 07, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Esparza took to social media to confirm that she will not be needing surgery for her recent injuries and that she plans on returning to the octagon before the end of 2022.
Noting on Instagram: “Health update: I just saw my doctor in regards to my 2 MRI results yesterday, and the great news is, no surgeries [are] required in either location!
“I simply require a little more time to heal, PRP injections (already scheduled), and a little physical therapy and I should be back to 100% to start camp and fight before this year is done.
“I have a very tough fight and camp ahead of me, and I look forward to giving it my all. In the meantime, look forward to some modified training. Thank you to the UFC for being on top of it, and making sure I get back to 100%.”
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Carla Esparza vs Zhang Weili
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 07: Carla Esparza reacts after her victory over Rose Namajunas in their women’s strawweight championship bout during UFC 274 at Footprint Center on May 07, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
There’s currently no word on who Esparza’s next opponent will be, but the ‘Cookie Monster’ herself has said that she believes Marina Rodriguez deserves a title fight more than the aforementioned Zhang.
Speaking to MMAFighting, she said: “I don’t think [Zhang] is [more deserving]. I think that Marina has won five straight, I think she’s beaten the top-level competition.
“She’s been staying active, and for me, she’s proven herself. She deserves a title shot. But for whatever reason, I’m sure there’s a lot that goes into it and Weili is getting the shot.
“For me, I fight whoever’s put in front of me, but doesn’t necessarily mean I think it’s fair or was the right call as far as the athlete goes.”
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