Zhang Weili

Zhang Weili (Chinese: 张伟丽; pinyin: Zhāng Wěilì; born August 13, 1989), nicknamed "Magnum",[2] is a Chinese mixed martial artist. She was the former Kunlun Fight (KLF) strawweight champion and currently competes in the strawweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where she is the current UFC Women's Strawweight World Champion. She is the first ever Chinese and East Asian champion in UFC history.[6] As of November 23, 2020, she is ranked #3 in UFC women's pound-for-pound rankings.[7]

In this Chinese name, the family name is Zhang.
Zhang Weili
Born张伟丽
(1989-08-13) August 13, 1989
Handan, Hebei, China[1]
Other namesMagnum
Height5 ft 4 in (1.63 m)[2]
Weight115 lb (52 kg; 8.2 st)
DivisionStrawweight
Reach63 in (160 cm)[3]
Fighting out ofBeijing, China[1]
TeamBlack Tiger Fight Club
TrainerXuejun Cai (MMA)[4]
Pedro Jordão (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu)[5]
RankPurple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu[1] under Pedro Jordão[5]
Years active2013–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total22
Wins21
By knockout10
By submission7
By decision4
Losses1
By decision1
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Background

Zhang was born in Handan, Hebei, China. When she moved to Beijing, she worked several jobs: cashier at a supermarket, kindergarten teacher, and hotel desk clerk.[8] She started training in martial arts at a young age, beginning with Shaolin Kung Fu after she was inspired by Kung Fu films.[9] At 12, she began training in Sanda and a Chinese style of wrestling called Shuai Jiao.[8] Later in her career she would also pick up Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) after watching others grappling in the gym where she worked as a fitness instructor. She then transitioned to MMA.[4][10] In a Chinese television show in December 2019, she mentioned that Hong Kong Action Superstar Donnie Yen was her inspiration to compete in MMA, and that Donnie Yen's 2007 feature film Flashpoint was her first introduction to the sport of MMA.[11]

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Zhang made her professional MMA debut in 2013. After losing her professional debut to Meng Bo by unanimous decision, she would go on to win 11 straight fights before challenging Simone Duarte for the Kunlun Fight Female Strawweight Championship on May 25, 2017, at Kunlun Fight MMA 11.[2] She won the fight via TKO in the second round.[12]

Zhang made her first title defense against Aline Sattelmayer on June 1, 2017, at Kunlun Fight MMA 12. She won the fight by unanimous decision.[13]

On July 22, 2017, Zhang attempted to win a second title, when she challenged Seo Ye-dam (서예담) for the vacant Top FC Strawweight Championship at TOP FC 15. She won the fight via TKO in the second round to capture the title.[2]

In her next bout, Zhang made her second KLF title defense against on August 28, 2017, at Kunlun Fight MMA 14 against Marilia Santos. She won the fight via TKO in the second round.[14]

Zhang would fight one more time for KLF, amassing a record of 16-1 and improving her winning streak to 16 before signed with UFC.[2]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Zhang made her promotion debut on August 4, 2018, at UFC 227 against Danielle Taylor.[15] She won the fight via unanimous decision.[16]

On November 24, 2018, Zhang faced Jessica Aguilar at UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Ngannou 2.[17] She won the fight via a submission in round one.[18]

Zhang faced Tecia Torres on March 3, 2019, at UFC 235.[19] She won the fight via unanimous decision.[20]

UFC Strawweight Champion

Zhang faced Jéssica Andrade for the UFC Women's Strawweight Championship on August 31, 2019, at UFC on ESPN+ 15.[21] She won the fight via first-round technical knockout to become the new Strawweight champion.[22] The win also earned Zhang her first Performance of the Night bonus award.[23]

In the first defense of her title, Zhang was scheduled to face former UFC Strawweight champion Joanna Jędrzejczyk on March 7, 2020 at UFC 248.[24] Zhang moved her training camp from China to Thailand and later moved to Dubai due to the COVID-19 pandemic,[25] as TSA rules stated a two-week quarantine was imposed for any non-US citizen be granted entry to the United States if they had recently been in China.[26] After multiple failed attempts to obtain a US visa to fight in UFC's events in the US,[27] on February 19, 2020 Zhang was granted US visa to fight at UFC 248.[28] Zhang won the fight via split decision, which marked her first successful UFC Strawweight title defense.[29] This win also marked her first Fight of the Night award.[30] Both fighters were later handed a two-month medical suspension which expired on May 5, with a non-contact sparring clause until April 22.[31]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Mixed martial arts record
Professional record breakdown
22 matches 21 wins 1 loss
By knockout 10 0
By submission 7 0
By decision 4 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 21–1 Joanna Jędrzejczyk Decision (split) UFC 248 March 7, 2020 5 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Defended the UFC Women's Strawweight Championship. Fight of the Night.
Win 20–1 Jéssica Andrade TKO (knees and punches) UFC Fight Night: Andrade vs. Zhang August 31, 2019 1 0:42 Shenzhen, China Won the UFC Women's Strawweight Championship. Performance of the Night.
Win 19–1 Tecia Torres Decision (unanimous) UFC 235 March 2, 2019 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 18–1 Jessica Aguilar Submission (armbar) UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Ngannou 2 November 24, 2018 1 3:41 Beijing, China
Win 17–1 Danielle Taylor Decision (unanimous) UFC 227 August 4, 2018 3 5:00 Los Angeles, California, United States
Win 16–1 Bianca Sattelmayer Submission (armbar) Kunlun Fight MMA 15 October 3, 2017 1 3:29 Seoul, South Korea Catchweight (119 lbs) bout.
Win 15–1 Marilia Santos TKO (elbows) Kunlun Fight MMA 14 August 28, 2017 2 3:20 Yantai, China Defended the KLF Strawweight Championship.
Win 14–1 Ye Dam Seo TKO (elbow and punches) Top FC 15 July 22, 2017 2 1:35 Seoul, South Korea Won the vacant Top FC Strawweight Championship.
Win 13–1 Aline Sattelmayer Decision (unanimous) Kunlun Fight MMA 12 June 1, 2017 3 5:00 Yantai, China Defended the KLF Strawweight Championship.
Win 12–1 Simone Duarte TKO (punches) Kunlun Fight MMA 11 May 25, 2017 1 2:29 Jining, China Won the KLF Strawweight Championship.
Win 11–1 Nayara Hemily Submission (guillotine choke) Kunlun Fight MMA 9 February 25, 2017 1 0:41 Sanya, China
Win 10–1 Veronica Grenno TKO (knees to the body) Kunlun Fight MMA 8 January 2, 2017 1 1:50 Sanya, China
Win 9–1 Karla Benitez KO (punch) Kunlun Fight MMA 7 December 15, 2016 1 2:15 Beijing, China
Win 8–1 Maira Mazar Submission (rear-naked choke) Kunlun Fight 53 September 24, 2016 1 4:11 Beijing, China
Win 7–1 Emi Fujino TKO (doctor stoppage) Kunlun Fight 49 August 7, 2016 2 2:51 Tokyo, Japan
Win 6–1 Liliya Kazak KO (head kick) Kunlun Fight 47 July 10, 2016 2 4:13 Nanjing, China
Win 5–1 Alice Ardelean Submission (rear-naked choke) Kunlun Fight MMA 5 / Top FC 11 May 22, 2016 2 4:41 Seoul, South Korea
Win 4–1 Svetlana Gotsyk TKO (punches) Kunlun Fight 38 / Super Muaythai 2016 February 21, 2016 2 2:29 Pattaya, Thailand Strawweight debut.
Win 3–1 Samantha Jean-Francois TKO (punches) Kunlun Fight 35 December 19, 2015 1 3:37 Luoyang, China
Win 2–1 Mei Huang Submission (rear-naked choke) Chinese Kung Fu Championships October 27, 2014 1 0:40 China Catchweight (132 lbs) bout.
Win 1–1 Shuxia Wu Submission (armbar) Chinese Kung Fu Championships April 17, 2014 1 1:56 China Catchweight (132 lbs) bout.
Loss 0–1 Meng Bo Decision (unanimous) China MMA League November 9, 2013 2 5:00 Xuchang, China

[2]

Kickboxing record
Professional record breakdown
4 matches 2 wins 2 losses
By decision 2 2
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 2–2 Guan Acui Decision Kunlun Fight 68 December 17, 2017 3 3:00 Zunyi, China Tournament final.[44]
Win 2–1 Chang Ningning Decision Kunlun Fight 68 December 17, 2017 3 3:00 Zunyi, China Tournament semifinal.
Win 1–1 Alma Juniku Decision Kunlun Fight 68 December 17, 2017 3 3:00 Zunyi, China Tournament quarterfinal.
Loss 0–1 Satoko Sasaki Decision (Unanimous) Krush 35 December 14, 2013 3 3:00 Tokyo, Japan

[2]

Honors

Zhang Weili received a Hawaiian lei and crown from Hawaiian Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.[45]

See also

References
  1. "Weili Zhang Official - UFC Profile". UFC.com. Archived from the original on October 11, 2018.
  2. "Weili Zhang". Sherdog. Retrieved 2019-02-28.
  3. "Weili Zhang | UFC". www.ufc.com. Retrieved 2019-02-28.
  4. "EXCLUSIVE | Weili Zhang: Remember the name". www.bjpenn.com. Retrieved 2019-02-28.
  5. Guilherme Cruz (September 2, 2019). "Coach expects long reign for Weili Zhang after impressive UFC title win". mmafighting.com.
  6. "Zhang Weili named China's first UFC champion after defeating Jessica Andrade in just 42 seconds". CNN. Retrieved September 2, 2019.
  7. "Rankings | UFC". www.ufc.com. Retrieved 2020-11-25.
  8. "Zhang Weili's long and difficult road to MMA stardom". China Daily. 2020-03-12. Retrieved 2020-03-16.
  9. "A Zhang Weili interview on Youtube". Mu Shin Martial Culture. 2019-12-22. Retrieved 2019-12-22.
  10. "Interview: Kang Kyung Ho, Zhang Weili talk about fighting at UFC 227". MMA India. 2018-08-04. Retrieved 2019-02-28.
  11. "China Variety TV Show - Roast! with Zhang Weili and Donnie Yen". Youtube. 2019-12-10. Retrieved 2019-03-09.
  12. "Kunlun Fight MMA 11 Results". www.fight-madness.com (in Slovenian). Retrieved 2020-02-20.
  13. Aittama, Zach. "Kunlun Fight MMA 12 Results". Combat Press. Retrieved 2020-02-20.
  14. "张伟丽险被KO，遭对手连续重拳击中鼻血染红脸颊". www.sohu.com (in Chinese). Retrieved 2020-02-20.
  15. "Here are 4 new bouts added to UFC 227 at Staples Center". Press Enterprise. 2018-05-08. Retrieved 2019-03-01.
  16. "UFC 227 results: Weili Zhang wins 17th straight, outpoints gritty Danielle Taylor". MMAjunkie. 2018-08-04. Retrieved 2019-03-01.
  17. "Jessica Aguilar to Face Weili Zhang at UFC Fight Night Beijing on Nov. 24". Sherdog. Retrieved 2019-03-02.
  18. "UFC Fight Night 141 play-by-play and live results". MMAjunkie. 2018-11-24. Retrieved 2019-03-02.
  19. Doyle, Dave (2018-11-29). "Tecia Torres vs. Weili Zhang set for UFC 235". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2019-02-28.
  20. "UFC 235 results: Weili Zhang shuts down Tecia Torres for 19th straight win". MMA Junkie. 2019-03-03. Retrieved 2019-03-03.
  21. Redactie (2019-06-19). "Jessica Andrade defends title against Weili Zhang during UFC Shenzhen's Main Event". mmadna.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved 2019-06-19.
  22. McClory, Mike (2019-08-31). "UFC Shenzhen Results: Weili Zhang Shocks With Quick TKO of Andrade, Becomes First Chinese UFC Champ". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2019-08-31.
  23. "UFC on ESPN+ 15 bonuses: Weili Zhang, Li Jingliang get no-brainer $50,000 checks". mmajunkie.com. 2019-08-03. Retrieved 2019-08-31.
  24. Adam Hill (2019-12-13). "Strawweight champ Weili Zhang to fight at UFC 248 in Las Vegas". LasVegasReview-Journal.com. Retrieved 2019-12-14.
  25. "Sources: Zhang leaves China over virus concerns". ESPN.com. 2020-02-06. Retrieved 2020-02-20.
  26. "'Now I can put my heart into this': Chinese UFC fighter Zhang Weili obtains US visa". South China Morning Post. 2020-02-18. Retrieved 2020-02-20.
  27. Tabuena, Anton (2019-10-08). "UFC champ Weili Zhang's visa denied again, US presidential candidate offers help". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved 2020-02-20.
  28. Cruz, Guilherme (2020-02-19). "Zhang Weili granted U.S. visa, Yan Xiaonan lands in Auckland for UFC fight". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2020-02-20.
  29. "UFC 248 results: Zhang Weili defends title against Joanna Jedrzejczyk in all-time classic". MMA Junkie. 2020-03-08. Retrieved 2020-03-08.
  30. Dan Hiergesell (2020-03-08). "UFC 248 Bonuses! O'Malley Banks $50K For 'Prelims' TKO". MMAmania. Retrieved 2020-03-08.
  31. "The UFC gave Weili Zhang and Joanna Jedrzejczyk 2-month medical suspensions after their 25-minute war". www.msn.com. Retrieved 2020-03-11.
  32. Thomas Gerbasi (December 24, 2020). "The 2020 Awards: 10 Best Fights". Ultimate Fighting Championship.
  33. "MMA Junkie's 'Fight of the Month' for March: A title fight for the ages". mmajunkie.com. March 31, 2020.
  34. "MMA Junkie's 2020 'Fight of the Year': Weili vs. Jedrzejczyk, the GOAT of women's fights". MMAjunkie.com. January 4, 2021.
  35. "Amanda Nunes, Israel Adesanya, Jorge Masvidal pace major winners at World MMA Awards". MMAjunkie.com. December 27, 2020.
  36. Alexander K. Lee (December 28, 2020). "MMA Fighting's 2020 Fight of the Year: Zhang Weili vs. Joanna Jedrzejczyk". mmafighting.com.
  37. Shaheen Al-Shatti (December 23, 2020). "Zhang Weili vs. Joanna Jedrzejczyk: 2020 MMA Fight of the Year". The Athletic.
  38. Tom Taylor (December 21, 2020). "Bleacher Report 2020 MMA Awards: Best Fight". Bleacher Report.
  39. Staff (December 29, 2020). "MMA 2020 Year in Review: Fight of the Year". Cageside Press.
  40. Tristen Critchfield (December 28, 2020). "Sherdog's 2020 Fight of the Year". Sherdog.
  41. @btsportufc (December 28, 2020). "🏆 Fight of the Year - Weili Zhang v Joanna Jedrzejczyk" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  42. "MMAWeekly's Best of 2020". mmaweekly.com. January 1, 2021.
  43. "Combat Press 2020 MMA Awards: Fight of the Year Weili Zhang vs. Joanna Jędrzejczyk". combatpress.com. January 2021.
  44. "Kunlun Fight 68 Fight Card: Heavyweight and Mulan Legend Tournaments - LiverKick". 28 November 2017.
  45. Tulsi Gabbard on Facebook Watch, retrieved 2020-03-11
Achievements
Preceded by
Jéssica Andrade		 5th UFC Women's Strawweight Champion
August 31, 2019 – present		 Incumbent
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