UFC Strawweight Champion Carla Esparza Targeting Year-End Return Timeline for First Title Defense

Posted on by Matt James

Two-time UFC strawweight champion Carla Esparza spoke out via social media and shared an injury update with her fans. ‘The Cookie Monster’ picked up a split decision win over Rose Namajunas back at UFC 274 that saw her secure the 115-pound strap for the second time in her career. Moreover, she moved 2-0 in her rivalry with Namajunas, effectively closing the chapter for now.

Albeit a lackluster showing, Carla Esparza is now the woman to beat at strawweight and there’s no lack of top-tier contenders chasing her. With a target on her back, divisional contenders are keen to know when she will return, and it appears that a timeline of the end of the year has been set by the champion.

“Health update: I just saw my doctor in regards to my 2 MRI results yesterday, and the great news is, no surgeries required on 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 percent to start camp and fight before this year is done.”

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Carla Esparza continued, “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 percent].” [h/t bjpenn.com]

Prior to her announcement, there was speculation of an interim title fight bout between Zhang Weili and Mackenzie Dern. Both women are front runners in the weight class and it’s hard to argue that they have meritoriously made their way to the top of the mountain.

Zhang Weili’s blistering knockout of Joanna Jędrzejczyk that sent the former Polish champion into retirement has made her a front-runner, and it’s likely that she’s fighting for the belt if she decides to sit out until the end of the year.

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