Zhang Weili - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Zhang Weili is a Chinese mixed martial artist who competes in the strawweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). She is currently the UFC Women's Strawweight Champion.
- 2. Zhang was born on August 13, 1989, in Handan, Hebei, China. She began training in martial arts at a young age, starting with sanda (Chinese kickboxing) before transitioning to mixed martial arts.
- 3. Zhang made her professional MMA debut in 2013 and quickly rose through the ranks, amassing an impressive record before signing with the UFC in 2018.
- 4. Zhang made her UFC debut in August 2018, defeating Danielle Taylor by decision. She went on to win her next three fights, including a first-round knockout of Jessica Aguilar, before earning a title shot against then-champion Jessica Andrade.
- 5. Zhang captured the UFC Women's Strawweight Championship on August 31, 2019, by defeating Jessica Andrade via first-round TKO. This victory made her the first Chinese-born UFC champion in history.
- 6. Zhang is known for her aggressive fighting style, relentless pressure, and powerful striking. She holds black belts in both sanda and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, making her a well-rounded fighter with a diverse skill set.
- 7. Zhang has successfully defended her title twice, first against Joanna Jedrzejczyk in March 2020 in a fight widely regarded as one of the best women's MMA bouts in history, and then against Rose Namajunas in April 2021.
- 8. Zhang is a popular figure in China and has helped to grow the sport of MMA in her home country. She has a large following on social media and is seen as a role model for aspiring fighters, particularly women.
- 9. Zhang is known for her humility, work ethic, and dedication to her craft. She trains at Black Tiger Fight Club in Beijing, where she works with a team of coaches and training partners to continually improve her skills.
- 10. Zhang Weili is considered one of the best pound-for-pound female fighters in the world and has quickly become a dominant force in the strawweight division. Her exciting fighting style, impressive skill set, and historic achievements have cemented her legacy as a true champion in the sport of MMA.