Zhang Weili's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 18, 2025

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Zhang Weili. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

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.

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.

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.