Zhang, the country's first UFC champion, had planned to complete her training camp in China's capital ahead of the fight on March 8, but her manager Brian Butler-Au told MMA Fighting that the UFC had been "working hard" to speed up the process to get Zhang a visa so that her and her team could hopefully fly out early next week.

The build-up to the fight between Weili and Jedrzejcyzk has been overshadowed by the Pole's post on Instagram when she posted a version of the promotional poster for the fight in which she wore a gas mask, causing Zhang to accuse her of making “fun of tragedy”.

"People are dying, someone's father, someone's mother, someone's child,” wrote Zhang.

“Say what you want about me if it makes you feel stronger but do not joke about what's happening here. 

"I wish you good health until March 7th.

"I will see you soon."

In response, Jedrzejcyzk told ESPN MMA: "If I offended her I'm saying sorry, but I was laughing only about the memes, not about the illness and what is happening in China right now.

"I would never make fun of sick people, of illness or viruses, because it's such a dangerous thing. 

"I feel sorry for all of the people because it is very dangerous for all of us, not just the Chinese people."

Meanwhile, American Football team the Los Angeles Rams have cancelled a scheduled trip to China because of the coronavirus.

The Rams were due to visit Shanghai and Beijing between February 11 and 21 as part of an end of season trip.

The visit was due to take place as Rams player Taylor Rapp, whose mother is from Shanghai, became the first Chinese-American to play in the NFL last season after being picked in the second round of the draft.

It is not known if or when it will be rescheduled.