Chinese · Heze, China · Born 13 August 1989Chinese mixed martial artist and two-time UFC Strawweight Champion, first Chinese fighter to win a UFC title and defend it successfully.
China's most celebrated MMA fighter and two-time UFC Strawweight Champion — the first Chinese fighter to win a UFC world title. Her back-to-back wars with Rose Namajunas and Joanna Jędrzejczyk produced two of the greatest women's MMA bouts ever contested. Mixed martial arts requires mastery across striking, wrestling and ground fighting, combined with the ability to implement strategy under pressure. Career highlights included UFC Strawweight Champion 2019-2021, 2022-present, UFC Fight of the Night multiple times, First Chinese UFC champion. The measure of a great mma athlete is the ability to perform consistently over time, and Zhang's record demonstrates precisely that quality of sustained excellence. Across a career of sustained excellence, Zhang established a legacy that endures in the record books and the broader history of mma.
Became the first fighter from Asia to win a UFC championship when she defeated Jessica Andrade for the strawweight title in 2019.
How They Played
Zhang Weili is known for her aggressive striking and well-rounded skill set that combines traditional Chinese martial arts with modern MMA techniques. She possesses excellent boxing fundamentals, heavy hands, and strong takedown defense. Her relentless pressure and ability to mix striking with grappling make her a constant threat in all phases of combat.
Lasting Impact
Zhang Weili broke significant barriers as the first Asian UFC champion, inspiring a new generation of fighters across Asia and elevating MMA's profile in China.
Career Honours
- UFC Strawweight Champion 2019-2021, 2022-present
- UFC Fight of the Night multiple times
- First Chinese UFC champion
Chinese Athletes