Zhang Weili is a Chinese mixed martial artist and the reigning UFC Women's Strawweight Champion, a title she's held twice. She's the first Chinese athlete to achieve a UFC championship. Her professional career began in 2013, initially competing with Kunlun Fight (KLF), where she won the Women's Strawweight Championship. As of September 5, 2023, she holds the #2 position in the UFC women's pound-for-pound rankings.
August 13, 1989: Zhang Weili's Birth
Zhang Weili was born on August 13, 1989.
2007: Inspiration from Donnie Yen's "Flashpoint"
Zhang Weili mentioned in December 2019 that Donnie Yen's 2007 film "Flashpoint" was her first introduction to MMA, inspiring her interest in the sport.
2010: Fitness Instructor in Beijing
In 2010, Zhang Weili started working as a fitness instructor at a local Beijing gym. This provided her with access to training equipment and marked the beginning of her journey into martial arts.
2012: Training at Black Tiger Fight Club
In 2012, Zhang Weili began training at Black Tiger Fight Club under coach Cai Xuejun, after being introduced by Wu Haotian.
2013: Professional Debut and Winning Streak
After her professional debut in 2013, Zhang Weili went on an 11-fight winning streak.
2013: Inspired by Ronda Rousey
In December 2019, Zhang Weili revealed that Ronda Rousey's fight with Liz Carmouche in 2013 motivated her to pursue MMA full-time.
2013: Professional MMA Debut
Zhang Weili made her professional MMA debut in 2013.
May 25, 2017: Kunlun Fight Female Strawweight Championship Victory
On May 25, 2017, Zhang Weili defeated Simone Duarte via TKO in the second round to win the Kunlun Fight Female Strawweight Championship.
June 1, 2017: First KLF Title Defense
On June 1, 2017, Zhang Weili successfully defended her KLF title against Aline Sattelmayer by unanimous decision.
July 22, 2017: Top FC Strawweight Championship Victory
On July 22, 2017, Zhang Weili won the vacant Top FC Strawweight Championship by defeating Seo Ye-dam via TKO in the second round.
August 28, 2017: Second KLF Title Defense
Zhang Weili successfully defended her KLF title for the second time on August 28, 2017, defeating Marilia Santos via TKO in the second round.
August 4, 2018: UFC Debut
Zhang Weili made her UFC debut on August 4, 2018, at UFC 227, defeating Danielle Taylor by unanimous decision.
November 24, 2018: Victory over Jessica Aguilar
On November 24, 2018, Zhang Weili defeated Jessica Aguilar via armbar submission in the first round at UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Ngannou 2.
March 3, 2019: Victory over Tecia Torres
Zhang Weili defeated Tecia Torres by unanimous decision on March 3, 2019, at UFC 235.
August 31, 2019: UFC Women's Strawweight Championship Victory
On August 31, 2019, Zhang Weili became the first Chinese UFC champion by defeating Jéssica Andrade via first-round TKO for the UFC Women's Strawweight Championship at UFC Fight Night 157. She also earned her first Performance of the Night bonus.
December 2019: Television Interview
In December 2019, Zhang Weili discussed her inspirations for competing in MMA during a Chinese television show.
February 19, 2020: US Visa Granted
On February 19, 2020, Zhang Weili was granted a US visa to fight at UFC 248 after facing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
March 7, 2020: Successful Title Defense against Joanna Jędrzejczyk
In her first title defense, Zhang Weili defeated former champion Joanna Jędrzejczyk via split decision at UFC 248 on March 7, 2020. This fight earned her the Fight of the Night award and is widely considered one of the greatest women's MMA fights.
May 2020: Estée Lauder Brand Ambassador
In May 2020, Zhang Weili became a brand ambassador for Estée Lauder in China.
April 24, 2021: Loss to Rose Namajunas
Zhang Weili lost the UFC Women's Strawweight Championship to Rose Namajunas by knockout in the first round at UFC 261 on April 24, 2021.
November 6, 2021: Rematch Loss to Rose Namajunas
On November 6, 2021, Zhang Weili lost a split decision rematch against Rose Namajunas for the UFC Women's Strawweight Championship at UFC 268.
2021: Hyperice Global Ambassador
Zhang Weili was named a global ambassador for Hyperice in 2021.
June 11, 2022: Victory over Joanna Jędrzejczyk
Zhang Weili defeated Joanna Jędrzejczyk via knockout in the second round at UFC 275 on June 11, 2022. This victory earned her the Performance of the Night and Crypto.com "Fan Bonus of the Night" awards.
November 12, 2022: Reclaimed Strawweight Title, BJJ Promotion
On November 12, 2022, Zhang Weili regained the UFC Women's Strawweight Championship by submitting Carla Esparza at UFC 281. She also earned the Performance of the Night bonus and was promoted to brown belt in BJJ.
August 19, 2023: Dominant Victory over Amanda Lemos
Zhang Weili successfully defended her title against Amanda Lemos at UFC 292 on August 19, 2023, winning by unanimous decision and earning her fourth Performance of the Night bonus. She set a record for the largest striking differential in a women's UFC fight.
September 5, 2023: #2 in UFC Women's Pound-for-Pound Rankings
As of September 5, 2023, Zhang Weili was ranked #2 in the UFC women's pound-for-pound rankings.