Report: UFC targeting Zhang-Namajunas title fight for UFC 261 in April

The UFC is working on booking a women's strawweight title fight between champion Zhang Weili and top contender Rose Namajunas for UFC 261 on April 24, ESPN's Ariel Helwani reports, citing sources.

The bout isn't solidified, but it could likely be finalized within the coming days, Helwani adds.

The promotion was attempting to hold the event in Singapore but may have to host it in Las Vegas instead, according to Helwani.

Zhang, the UFC's first Chinese champion, owns a 21-1 record and a title defense over Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 248 last March.

Namajunas, a former strawweight champion, dropped the belt to Jessica Andrade via slam knockout at UFC 237 in 2019, then defeated Andrade by split decision in July 2020. "Thug" is 9-4 for her career.