Tom Brady is predicting a successful first title defense on Saturday by strawweight champion Zhang Weili, who faces former champ Joanna Jedrzejczyk in the co-main event of UFC 248 in Las Vegas.

Brady was making an Instagram live appearance with UFC president Dana White, who asked him for a prediction on the co-main event rather than the Israel Adesanya-Yoel Romero main event because White knows that Zhang is a fan of the longtime New England Patriots quarterback.

Zhang wore a Brady jersey during a photo shoot in China that was part of the buildup to last August's challenge of then-champ Jessica Andrade. Brady later sent Zhang a good luck message via social media, and the fighter responded: "Thank you my idol! This means a lot to me!"

UFC 248 coverage UFC 248 features two champions making their first title defenses. In the main event, Israel Adesanya puts his middleweight championship on the line against Yoel Romero. Prior to that fight, strawweight champ Zhang Weili will defend against former titleholder Joanna Jedrzejczyk. Order UFC 248 now UFC 248: Adesanya vs. Romero

• Saturday, Las Vegas

• Early prelims: ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET

• Prelims: ESPN, 8 p.m. ET

• Main card: ESPN+ PPV, 10 p.m. ET

Zhang knocked out Andrade in 42 seconds to claim the title.

And Brady believes she will retain it on Saturday night.

"It's a great fight, especially if the old Joanna shows up. She's an amazing fighter. She's gone the distance a bunch of times. She's got great height, reach, and she's relentless," Brady told White. "But Weili [has] been unbelievable. And I think she's been overlooked for a while.

"And not to mention, I'm a big fan of hers. Been watching her for a long time. She's got the ability to stand up, so strong and, skill for skill, is one of the best in the world. So it's a great matchup. You guys picked a good one."

Brady's prediction: "In the end -- and I usually don't make predictions, but on this I will, 'cause you asked me to -- I think Weili wins just because I think she's got a few more ways to win."

Pressed by White for a more specific result, Brady added: "Man, I think it's a KO."

Zhang was told about Brady's pick after her open workout in Las Vegas on Wednesday.

"He made a good option, a good choice," she said. "I'm a big fan of him. He's a great athlete."

Zhang explained that she has a friend who is a big Patriots fan and exposed her to the NFL.

"I feel like it's really combative," she said. "It's just like a war in a peace time. So, I really enjoy this."

Contributing: Marc Raimondi