Zhang Weili

Who Is Zhang Weili?

Zhang Weili (张伟丽), known by her nickname “Magnum,” is a Chinese professional mixed martial artist who has rewritten the record books. She is the first Chinese and East Asian fighter to win a UFC championship. As of 2025, she is a two-time UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion with an MMA record of 26 wins and 3 losses.

Her journey is not just an athletic story. It is a human story. It is a story of a girl who once worked as a hotel receptionist and kindergarten teacher — and became one of the greatest fighters on the planet.

As of November 2025, she is ranked number one in the UFC women’s strawweight rankings and number three in the UFC women’s pound-for-pound rankings.

Furthermore, her fight against Joanna Jędrzejczyk at UFC 248 is considered one of the greatest bouts in MMA history. Zhang Weili is, without question, a legend in the making.

Early Life: From Kung Fu Films to Martial Arts Schools

Born in Handan, Hebei

Zhang Weili was born on September 30, 1990, in Handan, Hebei, China. Her father is a retired miner, and her mother is a housewife. She has one older brother, Zhang Zhiyong, who quit his job as a gold trader to support Zhang’s career and now works at the gym where she trains.

Handan is known for its martial arts heritage. Growing up there, she was immersed in combat sports from an early age.

Inspired by Kung Fu Films at Age Six

Zhang started learning martial arts when she was very young — at just six years old. She began her training with Shaolin Kung Fu under the guidance of a local teacher, inspired by watching Kung Fu-themed movies.

In her own words, she described how watching Kung Fu masters “fly” in films sparked something deep inside her. Her mother used to dig holes in the ground that Zhang would try to jump out of. If she succeeded, her mother would dig the hole deeper. The goal was to become as agile and light as possible — just like a true master.

Therefore, her training began not in a gym. It began in her backyard — with her mother, a shovel, and a dream.

Age 12: Sanda and Shuai Jiao

In primary school, she practiced many sports including athletics, football, and table tennis. When she was 12 years old, her parents enrolled her in a specialized martial arts school in Handan. This is where she started training in Sanda — a Chinese full-contact combat sport — and Shuai Jiao, a traditional Chinese form of wrestling.

She was chosen for the Jiangsu provincial Sanda squad after repeatedly winning Sanda championships in Hebei province. However, a recurring back injury sustained in training forced her to give up the sport.

This setback was devastating. However, it was also the turning point that changed everything.

The Road Less Traveled: From Odd Jobs to the Octagon

Life in Beijing: Receptionist, Teacher, Security Guard

At the age of 17, Zhang moved to Beijing, where she performed odd jobs as a hotel desk clerk, kindergarten teacher, supermarket cashier, and security guard.

In her own telling, she worked 12-hour night shifts as a hotel receptionist and slept during the day. Since she wanted to maintain her sharpness, she trained in the early afternoon. In her words, she must have been “the fittest hotel receptionist in Beijing.”

The Gym That Changed Her Life

In 2010, she found a job at a local Beijing gym as a fitness instructor. She was allowed to use the gym’s equipment for free after it closed in the evenings.

It was there that she later picked up Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, after watching others grappling on the mats. She then transitioned fully into MMA.

This moment was the second beginning of Zhang Weili’s story. Moreover, it was the beginning that mattered most.

MMA Career: Building the Record Before the UFC

Pre-UFC Career (2013–2018)

Before joining the UFC in August 2018, she had built an impressive 16–1 win-loss record. She competed in promotions including the China MMA League, the Chinese Kung Fu Championships, Kunlun Fight MMA, and Top FC.

Weili won the vacant Kunlun Fight Strawweight Championship in September 2016, defended it in December 2016, won it again in May 2017, and defended it in June and August 2017. She also clinched the vacant Top FC Strawweight Championship in July 2017.

By the time she entered the UFC, Zhang was battle-hardened and ready. She had earned every inch of her reputation.

UFC Debut (August 2018)

On August 4, 2018, Zhang made her UFC debut at UFC 227, winning a three-round unanimous decision over Danielle Taylor.

She did not look back. Not once.

UFC Career: Becoming a Champion and Making History

UFC Fight Night — August 31, 2019: Historic Title Win

The moment that defined Zhang Weili’s legacy arrived in Shenzhen, China — on home soil.

On August 31, 2019, Zhang Weili fought Jéssica Andrade for the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship. She won the fight in just 42 seconds of the first round, via KO/TKO, becoming the new champion. This made her the first UFC champion from China. The win also earned her a Performance of the Night bonus.

The crowd erupted. China had its first UFC champion. History was made.

UFC 248 — March 7, 2020: The Greatest Women’s Fight Ever

For her first title defense, Zhang faced former champion Joanna Jędrzejczyk on March 7, 2020, at UFC 248. It was a grueling five-round war. Zhang won by split decision, successfully defending her title. Both fighters earned a Fight of the Night award.

The fight is now widely regarded as one of the greatest in women’s MMA history. Both fighters were pushed to their absolute limits. Jędrzejczyk’s face told the story of the battle they waged.

UFC 261 — April 24, 2021: A Shocking Title Loss

On April 24, 2021, at UFC 261, Zhang defended her title against Rose Namajunas. She lost the fight by knockout in the first round — a stunning result that shocked the MMA world.

A rematch followed at UFC 268 on November 6, 2021. Zhang lost again to Namajunas, this time by a split decision after a close match.

The losses stung. However, they also revealed something important about Zhang Weili. She did not run from adversity. She ran toward it.

UFC 275 — June 11, 2022: The Spinning Back Fist Heard Around the World

On June 11, 2022, at UFC 275, Zhang and Joanna Jędrzejczyk faced each other for a second time. In the second round, Zhang used a devastating spinning backfist to knock out her opponent at 2:28.

It was one of the most memorable finishes in UFC history. Furthermore, it set the stage for Zhang’s comeback to championship glory.

UFC 281 — November 12, 2022: Reclaiming the Throne

On November 12, 2022, at UFC 281, Zhang competed against defending champion Carla Esparza for the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship. In the second round, Zhang submitted Esparza by rear-naked choke to win the match and reclaim the title. She received a Performance of the Night bonus. Zhang was voted the Female Fighter of the Year in MMA at the end of 2022.

She was champion again. The comeback was complete.

Title Defenses (2023–2025)

Zhang continued to dominate the strawweight division with a series of commanding title defenses.

• UFC 292 — August 19, 2023: Zhang won a five-round unanimous decision over Amanda Lemos to retain her title.
• UFC 300 — April 13, 2024: Zhang won a five-round unanimous decision over fellow Chinese fighter Yan Xiaonan to retain her strawweight championship.
• UFC 312 — February 8, 2025: Zhang won a five-round unanimous decision over Tatiana Suarez, defending her title for the fourth time.

In December 2024, she was named the 2024 World MMA Awards Female Fighter of the Year — her second such honor.

The Flyweight Challenge: UFC 322 — November 15, 2025

With four successful title defenses behind her, Zhang set her sights even higher.

Zhang Weili vacated her strawweight title to chase a second belt at flyweight, facing Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 322 in Madison Square Garden. The move up in weight did not go as planned.

Valentina Shevchenko dominated Zhang Weili in their title bout, outlanding her 137–80 in total strikes and converting 5 of her 6 takedown attempts. Shevchenko accumulated 13:24 of control time throughout the five-round fight. Zhang lost by unanimous decision.

After the loss, Zhang promised to come back even stronger but would not indicate whether she intends to remain at 125 pounds or return to strawweight.

After Zhang vacated the title, Mackenzie Dern became the new strawweight champion by beating Virna Jandiroba.

Fighting Style: The Complete Fighter

Zhang employs a versatile fighting style that combines Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kung Fu, Sanda, and Muay Thai. Known for her elite cardio and adaptability, she excels in both striking and grappling, making her one of the most complete fighters in women’s MMA.

Her trainers include Xuejun Cai for MMA, Pedro Jordão and Josh Hinger for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Chong Xie for Hyperarch Fascia Training. She holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Pedro Jordão.

She trains out of Black Tiger Fight Club in Beijing, and also works with Fight Ready and Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA.

Life Beyond the Octagon: Actress, Ambassador, Cultural Icon

Film Debut: Next Typhoon (2025)

Zhang’s talents extend well beyond fighting. On October 25, 2025, the film Next Typhoon — in which she starred as the lead actress — was released. She portrayed a mute girl named Axi in the film. Her willingness to take on dramatic acting challenges reflects a hunger for growth that defines everything she does.

Sports Ambassador

On July 24, 2025, Zhang Weili was appointed as the Sports Ambassador of Jinzhong City. She also organized youth MMA competitions and participated in film festivals as a producer and actor, consistently using her platform to grow the sport she loves in China.

A Voice for Chinese MMA

When asked about being at the vanguard of the rise of Chinese MMA, Zhang said: “I think being a good example for others means I need to do everything even better. It means that I need to continue to improve and continue to be better than my old self.”

MMA Record Summary

Date	Event	Opponent	Result	Title
Aug 4, 2018	UFC 227	Danielle Taylor	W (Decision)	—
Nov 24, 2018	UFC Fight Night	Jessica Aguilar	W (Submission)	—
Mar 2, 2019	UFC 235	Tecia Torres	W (Decision)	—
Aug 31, 2019	UFC Fight Night	Jéssica Andrade	W (TKO, Rd 1)	Won Strawweight Title
Mar 7, 2020	UFC 248	Joanna Jędrzejczyk	W (Decision)	Title Defense #1
Apr 24, 2021	UFC 261	Rose Namajunas	L (KO, Rd 1)	Lost Title
Nov 6, 2021	UFC 268	Rose Namajunas	L (Decision)	—
Jun 11, 2022	UFC 275	Joanna Jędrzejczyk	W (KO, Rd 2)	—
Nov 12, 2022	UFC 281	Carla Esparza	W (Submission, Rd 2)	Regained Strawweight Title
Aug 19, 2023	UFC 292	Amanda Lemos	W (Decision)	Title Defense #1
Apr 13, 2024	UFC 300	Yan Xiaonan	W (Decision)	Title Defense #2
Feb 8, 2025	UFC 312	Tatiana Suarez	W (Decision)	Title Defense #3
Nov 15, 2025	UFC 322	Valentina Shevchenko	L (Decision)	Flyweight Title Challenge

Overall MMA Record: 26 Wins – 4 Losses