Zhang Weili, China’s first UFC champion and mixed martial arts (MMA) icon lets nothing distract her before a fight, even her best known fans, Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan. The Post profiles China’s champion. Photo: SCMP composite/Sina.com

Zhang Weili became China and Asia’s first Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) winner, by defeating her compatriot Yan Xiaonan in their strawweight title fight at UFC 300 in Las Vegas on April 13.

Her journey from a small-town girl to a global mixed martial arts (MMA) icon continues to inspire people worldwide, attracting attention from celebrities such as Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, and his wife, Priscilla Chan.

After the fight, they congratulated Zhang on Facebook and had a friendly conversation with her.

What lies behind Zhang’s global pulling power and wide appeal? The Post finds out.

Who is she ?

Zhang is a pioneering figure in Chinese MMA and competes in the strawweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

She is the first UFC female world champion from China and Asia.


Zhang Weili, who fought her way out of a small town in China, is the country’s first UFC champion. Photo: Sina.com

Born in Handan, Hebei province, northern China, Zhang started learning martial arts at the age of 6 and later practised Sanda, a form of combat sport, and boxing. She then clinched the Hebei Provincial Youth Sanda Championship.

However, severe injuries forced her to reconsider her career, leading her to various jobs in Beijing – from kindergarten teacher to working as a hotel receptionist and a bodyguard.

Her passion for martial arts never waned and she later returned to the fight game.