The ‘Magnum’ Opus: Getting to Know Zhang Weili
Zhang Weili, nicknamed “Magnum,” is a fighting force of nature whose journey from working multiple odd jobs to becoming the two-time UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion is an inspiring testament to the power of relentless effort and an unshakeable spirit. Born on September 30, 1990, in Handan, Hebei, China, Zhang’s humble beginnings and fierce dedication have made her a national hero and a global icon of female strength. Her motto, inspired by Bruce Lee, is to “be water”, to be flexible, adapt to any situation, and find the path around or through any obstacle.
A Childhood Forged by Kung Fu and Sanda
Zhang’s interest in martial arts was sparked by Kung Fu films, leading her to begin training in Shaolin Kung Fu at just six years old. At age twelve, her parents sent her to a specialized martial arts school where she focused on Sanda (Chinese kickboxing) and Shuai Jiao (Chinese wrestling). She quickly excelled, winning multiple Sanda championships in her home province. However, a persistent back injury forced her to step away from the sport prematurely. This setback led to a period of uncertainty, during which she moved to Beijing and held various jobs, including cashier, security guard, and hotel desk clerk, until she found work as a fitness instructor, a job that granted her crucial access to gym equipment to train after hours.
The First Star: China’s Pioneer Champion
Zhang Weili turned professional in MMA in 2013 and, after losing her debut fight, went on a remarkable run of 16 consecutive wins on the regional circuit, capturing the Kunlun Fight Strawweight Championship along the way. She entered the UFC in 2018 with an explosive style that blended her Sanda striking with an increasingly potent grappling game.
Her career pinnacle came in August 2019 when she defeated Jéssica Andrade in just 42 seconds to become the first-ever Chinese and East Asian UFC Champion. She then cemented her legacy by participating in what many consider the greatest women’s fight in MMA history against Joanna Jędrzejczyk, a brutal five-round war she won by split decision. After losing and then regaining her title from Carla Esparza, securing a submission win and her second championship, Zhang has successfully defended the belt three times, establishing her dominance as the greatest Strawweight the promotion has seen. Her overall professional record stands at 26 wins and 3 losses (26-3-0), boasting 11 knockouts and 8 submissions.
The Ultimate Challenge: A Quest for Double Gold
Zhang Weili, having cemented her legacy at 115 pounds, has vacated her Strawweight title to pursue a monumental challenge: becoming a two-division UFC Champion. This daring move is driven by her philosophy of continually testing her own limits and finding inner peace through growth.
She is set for the fight of her life in the co-main event of UFC 322 against the former two-time Flyweight Champion Valentina Shevchenko. The title bout will take place on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. This fight pits the two top-ranked female fighters on the planet against each other. For Zhang, a victory over a legend like Shevchenko would not only make her the first Asian woman to hold UFC titles in two divisions but would also fulfill her ambition of proving that human potential is truly limitless.
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