Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Zhang Weili

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Zhang Weili made an impact.

Zhang Weili is a prominent Chinese mixed martial artist, notable for her accomplishments in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). She holds the distinction of being the first Chinese fighter to secure a UFC championship, having won the UFC Women's Strawweight title twice. Prior to her UFC career, she was the Kunlun Fight (KLF) Women's Strawweight Champion. Currently, she is ranked #1 in the UFC women's strawweight division and #2 in the UFC women's pound-for-pound rankings, solidifying her status as a top-tier competitor in the sport.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2010: Job at Beijing Gym

In 2010, Zhang Weili found a job as a fitness instructor at a local Beijing gym where she was allowed to use the equipment for free and also picked up Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

2013: Professional Debut

In 2013, Zhang Weili made her professional MMA debut, losing to Meng Bo.

May 25, 2017: KLF Strawweight Championship Win

On May 25, 2017, Zhang Weili defeated Simone Duarte via TKO at Kunlun Fight MMA 11 to win the Kunlun Fight Female Strawweight Championship.

June 1, 2017: First Title Defense

On June 1, 2017, Zhang Weili made her first title defense against Aline Sattelmayer at Kunlun Fight MMA 12, winning by unanimous decision.

July 22, 2017: TOP FC Strawweight Championship Win

On July 22, 2017, Zhang Weili defeated Seo Ye-dam via TKO at TOP FC 15 to capture the vacant Top FC Strawweight Championship.

August 28, 2017: Second KLF Title Defense

On August 28, 2017, Zhang Weili made her second KLF title defense against Marilia Santos at Kunlun Fight MMA 14, winning via TKO.

August 4, 2018: UFC Debut

On August 4, 2018, Zhang Weili made her promotion debut at UFC 227 against Danielle Taylor, winning via unanimous decision.

November 24, 2018: Victory at UFC Fight Night

On November 24, 2018, Zhang Weili faced Jessica Aguilar at UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Ngannou 2 and won via an armbar submission in the first round.

March 3, 2019: Victory at UFC 235

On March 3, 2019, Zhang Weili faced Tecia Torres at UFC 235 and won the fight via unanimous decision.

August 31, 2019: UFC Women's Strawweight Championship Win

On August 31, 2019, Zhang Weili faced Jéssica Andrade for the UFC Women's Strawweight Championship at UFC Fight Night 157 and won the fight via first-round technical knockout to become the new strawweight champion and the first UFC champion from China.

February 19, 2020: US Visa Granted

On February 19, 2020, Zhang Weili was granted a US visa to fight at UFC 248 after multiple failed attempts, which was required due to TSA rules regarding quarantine for non-US citizens who had recently been in China, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

March 7, 2020: First Title Defense Against Joanna Jędrzejczyk

On March 7, 2020, Zhang Weili faced Joanna Jędrzejczyk at UFC 248 for her first title defense, winning by split decision in what was considered one of the greatest fights in women's MMA history.

May 2020: Brand Ambassador for Estée Lauder

In May 2020, Zhang Weili became a brand ambassador for the cosmetics brand Estée Lauder in China, and was chosen as a face of their new makeup line Double Wear.

April 24, 2021: Title Loss to Rose Namajunas

On April 24, 2021, Zhang Weili faced Rose Namajunas at UFC 261 for the second defense of her title and lost by knockout in the first round.

November 6, 2021: Rematch Loss to Namajunas

On November 6, 2021, Zhang Weili's rematch against Rose Namajunas for the UFC Women's Strawweight Championship took place at UFC 268, where Weili lost by split decision.

2021: Global Ambassador for Hyperice

In 2021, Zhang Weili was named a global ambassador for recovery technology company Hyperice, and had endorsement deals with several clothing, e-commerce, and beverage companies.

June 11, 2022: Victory Over Joanna Jędrzejczyk at UFC 275

On June 11, 2022, Zhang Weili defeated Joanna Jędrzejczyk via knockout with a spinning backfist in the second round at UFC 275, earning a Performance of the Night award and a Crypto.com "Fan Bonus of the Night" award of US$10,000 paid in bitcoin.

November 12, 2022: Regained UFC Women's Strawweight Championship

On November 12, 2022, Zhang Weili regained the UFC Women's Strawweight Championship by defeating Carla Esparza via rear-naked choke submission in the second round at UFC 281, also earning a Performance of the Night award. Following this win, Zhang was promoted to brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

August 19, 2023: Title Defense Against Amanda Lemos

On August 19, 2023, Zhang Weili defended her title against Amanda Lemos at UFC 292, winning via unanimous decision after a dominant performance. She out struck Lemos 296–29, the largest differential for a women's fight in UFC history, and earned her fourth Performance of the Night award.

September 5, 2023: UFC Rankings

On September 5, 2023, Zhang Weili was ranked #2 in the UFC women's pound-for-pound rankings.

April 13, 2024: Victory Against Yan Xiaonan

On April 13, 2024, Zhang Weili faced Yan Xiaonan at UFC 300, in what was the first all-China title fight, and won the bout by unanimous decision.

February 9, 2025: Title Defense Against Tatiana Suarez

On February 9, 2025, Zhang Weili defended her title against Tatiana Suarez at UFC 312, winning the fight by unanimous decision.

October 25, 2025: Vacated Strawweight Title

On October 25, 2025, Weili vacated her strawweight title.

October 28, 2025: UFC Rankings

On October 28, 2025, Zhang Weili was ranked #1 in the UFC women's strawweight rankings.

November 15, 2025: Defeat against Valentina Shevchenko

On November 15, 2025, Zhang Weili challenged Valentina Shevchenko for the UFC Women's Flyweight title at UFC 322 but lost the fight by unanimous decision.