As the division's inaugural world champion, veteran Esparza reclaimed the title last month by beating Namajunas via split decision at UFC 274 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Overwhelmed by Zhang in their rematch, following an evenly contested first encounter in March 2020, Jedrzejczyk looked off the pace in her first fight in over two years, merely escaping from several heavy takedowns in the first round before the shocking KO hit sent her to the floor face-first, at 2:28 in the second stanza.

The 34-year-old Pole threw her gloves in the Octagon after the fight and announced her retirement from the sport following a 16-year career during which she held the strawweight title for over two years, from 2015-17.

"I'm turning 35 this year. I want to be a mom. I want to be a businesswoman. I've been training more than half of my life ... I'm retired, guys. I love you so much. Thank you for the support," said Jedrzejczyk.

UFC president Dana White promised before the fight that the winner would go directly to a title event, so Zhang (22-3) is determined to make her shot at Esparza (19-6) count.

"For me, it's always about overcoming myself, not any opponent in front of me," said Zhang, who plans to prepare for her next bout at former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo's camp at the Fight Ready club in Arizona.

"I think it's not only about fighting one another, it's about inheriting the spirit of MMA in this division.

"I've watched Joanna on my way developing as an MMA fighter. I am sure there will be younger and stronger fighters after us.

"Together we put girl power on display in the Octagon. We've proven to people who said we cannot do certain things that we can."

With so much at stake and the explosive ending providing a fitting ending, Sunday's rematch truly captured the imagination of the MMA world.

"Zhang Weili!!! She will not stop until she gets that gold back. The best strawweight in the world is back!" Cejudo, who started to work with Zhang last year, wrote on Twitter.

American middleweight fighter Derek Brunson tweeted: "Weili Zhang & Joanna Jedrzejczyk represent women's MMA well. Skills, cardio and strength. Respect ladies. I can watch them fight all day!"

Sunday's card capped a busy week of MMA action in Singapore that included the first instalment of the new "Road to UFC" tournament, designed to showcase unsigned talent from the Asia-Pacific region.

More regional talent was on display on the undercard on Sunday, with 21-year-old Chinese lightweight striker Hayisaer Maheshate making an instant impact by knocking out American veteran Steve Garcia in the first round of his UFC debut.

Another Chinese woman, Liang Na, was defeated by Silvana Gomez Juarez of Argentina via KO at 1:20 in the first round of their strawweight battle.

sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn