Joanna Jedrzejczyk apologizes to Zhang Weili about removed coronavirus post

Joanna Jedrzejczyk has issued a response to Zhang Weili about an Instagram post.

On Tuesday, the former strawweight champion reposted a meme to her Instagram story. The image was a takeoff of the UFC 248 fight poster. However, a gas mask was photoshopped on Jedrzejczyk (15-3 MMA, 9-3 UFC). The insertion of the mask appeared to poke fun at the current coronavirus virus outbreak in China, Weili's home country.

The post received some criticism online and Jedrzejczyk ultimately removed the image from her Instagram story.

On Wednesday, Weili (20-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC) issued a statement on Instagram, in which the UFC champion told the Polish fighter to "not joke about what's happening here."

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Shortly after Weili's post, Jedrzejczyk countered with a selfie video response of her own on her Instagram story. 

"Hey champ. Hey Weili. I'm so sorry to make you feel bad, but I'd never make fun of sick people or a virus. I didn't want you to get offended. I just made fun of the funny internet meme. So, so sorry, but still, I'll see you March 7. Don't get emotional, OK?"

UFC 248 takes place March 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims likely to air on ESPN and ESPN+/UFC Fight Pass.