Introduction: The Making of a Martial Arts Icon

Zhang Weili is more than a champion. She is a pioneer who carried the hopes of a billion people into the octagon and emerged as one of the most well-rounded mixed martial artists in history. From her early days working as a kindergarten teacher while fighting in regional promotions to headlining the largest UFC event ever, her journey is a masterclass in adaptation and mental toughness. The landscape of women's MMA shifted dramatically when she arrived, bringing a ferocious style and an iron will that the strawweight division had never quite seen before. Below are five fights that shaped the champion she has become, each one revealing a new chapter in her storied career.

Born in Hebei Province, Weili initially trained in Sanda and later transitioned to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and boxing. Her early regional fights were won by knockout or submission, showcasing an aggressive style that carried her to a 20-fight win streak before entering the UFC. That streak included victories over powerful opponents in Kunlun Fight and other Asian promotions. When she finally stepped onto the biggest stage, the world was about to witness a force of nature.

1. The Arrival: Zhang Weili vs. Jessica Andrade (UFC on ESPN+ 15, Shenzhen, 2019)

Before this fight, Jessica Andrade was the reigning queen of the division. She had violently slammed Rose Namajunas onto her head to win the title and was expected to easily handle the relatively unknown Chinese challenger. The oddsmakers had Weili as a significant underdog, but they underestimated the 20-fight win streak she carried into the cage.

In front of an electric crowd in Shenzhen, Weili wasted no time. She met Andrade in the center of the octagon, landed a thudding kick to the body, and followed up with a flying knee that sent the champion reeling. A barrage of unanswered punches forced the referee to step in just 42 seconds into the very first round. Weili did not just beat Andrade; she overwhelmed her. This moment did more than secure a belt—it made Zhang Weili the first Chinese fighter in UFC history to win a championship. It instantly defined her as a force to be reckoned with and put Chinese MMA firmly on the global map.

The finish was surgical. Weili’s timing on the flying knee was perfect, catching Andrade as she moved forward. The follow-up ground strikes were precise and relentless. This victory didn’t just win the title—it announced a new era. Andrade had only lost twice before in the UFC, to top contenders, and had never been finished in the first round. Weili broke that pattern with brutal efficiency.

View Zhang Weili's official UFC profile to track her complete record.

2. The War of Attrition: Zhang Weili vs. Joanna Jedrzejczyk (UFC 248, March 2020)

Every champion faces a moment where their throne is truly tested. For Weili, that test came against the most decorated striker the division had ever seen: former champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk. This fight is widely regarded as the greatest women's MMA fight in history. For five rounds, the two athletes engaged in a technical and brutal striking war that pushed both of them to their absolute physical limits.

By the end of the fight, Joanna's forehead had swollen to an alarming size due to the accumulation of strikes. Weili absorbed heavy damage as well, eating clean head kicks and hooks without backing down. The image of the two warriors standing in the center of the cage, trading punches in the final seconds, is an indelible part of UFC history. When the scorecards were read, Weili walked away with a split decision victory.

This fight did not just defend her title; it earned her the respect of the entire combat sports world. It was universally awarded Fight of the Year for 2020. It proved that far beyond her power, Weili possessed a champion's heart and the ability to win the toughest of battles.

The striking exchanges were a chess match of footwork, feints, and combinations. Joanna’s notorious leg kicks and precise jabs tested Weili early, but Weili answered with heavy hooks to the body and overhand rights. The third round in particular saw both women land significant shots that would have dropped lesser fighters. Even Dana White called it the greatest women’s fight he had ever seen. The hematoma on Joanna’s forehead became a symbol of the war they waged. This fight cemented Weili as a warrior who thrives under pressure.

Read the official UFC 248 recap for the full details of this classic.

3. The Setback and Resilience: Zhang Weili vs. Rose Namajunas (UFC 261, April 2021)

The fall from the top is often the greatest teacher. After a year of inactivity due to the pandemic and the immense pressure of being a global icon, Weili stepped into the octagon against Rose Namajunas. In heartbreaking fashion, the fight ended abruptly when Namajunas landed a perfectly placed head kick, knocking Weili out cold in the first round. It was a devastating loss in front of a massive audience.

However, this defeat is a defining moment because of what it revealed about Weili's character. Instead of making excuses or retreating from the spotlight, she immediately sought answers. She returned for an immediate rematch, pushing Namajunas to the limit in a closely contested split decision loss. These back-to-back fights against Namajunas taught Weili the value of adaptability. She realized that to reach the top again, she could not rely solely on her power and aggression. She had to evolve. This loss set the stage for the most important transformation of her career.

In the rematch at UFC 268, Weili showed remarkable improvements. She changed her stance, worked on head movement, and implemented leg kicks to slow Namajunas down. Although she lost by decision, many observers scored the fight for Weili due to her volume and pressure. That split decision showed how close she was—and that small adjustments could tip the scale. She spent the next year at Fight Ready in Arizona, drilling wrestling and grappling with Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo. That camp turned her weaknesses into strengths.

4. The Reinvention: Zhang Weili vs. Carla Esparza (UFC 281, November 2022)

Returning to the title picture against the division's original champion, Carla Esparza, a completely new fighter emerged from the tunnel. Weili had moved to Arizona to train with Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo and the team at Fight Ready. The result was a dramatic evolution in her grappling and fight IQ.

Gone was the fighter who relied solely on boxing combinations. In her place stood a calculating mixed martial artist. Weili showcased vastly improved wrestling, taking Esparza down with ease. After softening her on the ground, she locked in a deep rear-naked choke in the second round, forcing the tap. This submission victory was a statement. Weili had not only reclaimed the UFC Strawweight Championship but had done so by mastering the very discipline (wrestling) that was once considered her weakness. She proved that true champions are the ones who can learn from defeat and return to the top stronger than ever.

Statistically, this fight was historic. Weili set the record for most takedowns in a women’s strawweight fight (six) and dominated top control for over seven minutes. She transitioned from mount to back effortlessly, showing the world her new BJJ black belt skills. Esparza had never been submitted in her UFC career. Weili not only submitted her—she made it look easy. This victory was a master class in adapting to a game plan and executing it perfectly.

5. The Dominance: Zhang Weili vs. Amanda Lemos (UFC 292, August 2023)

With the belt back around her waist, Weili faced the heavy-handed Brazilian, Amanda Lemos. This fight served as a showcase for the fully realized version of Zhang Weili. She put on a masterclass in high-level MMA, seamlessly blending her improved wrestling with crisp, explosive striking.

Weili knocked Lemos down early in the first round and controlled the grappling exchanges throughout the fight. Her top pressure was suffocating, and her transitions were smooth. The unanimous decision victory sent a clear message to the division: Weili had not only reclaimed her throne but had elevated her game to a level far beyond her previous reign. She was no longer just a contender; she was the undisputed and dominant queen of the strawweights.

Lemos came into the fight with a four-fight winning streak, including knockouts of Michelle Waterson and Marina Rodriguez. But Weili neutralized her power with relentless wrestling and superior cardio. She landed significant ground strikes, kept Lemos pinned against the cage, and never allowed her to set up her dangerous hooks. The judges’ scores were 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46, reflecting complete control. This fight showed that Weili could beat a dangerous striker without taking damage—a sign of her evolution into a tactical fighter.

See the full UFC 292 event results for more details.

Honorable Mention: The Dynasty Continues (Zhang Weili vs. Yan Xiaonan, UFC 300, April 2024)

No discussion of Zhang Weili's legacy is complete without her historic performance at UFC 300. Facing fellow Chinese contender Yan Xiaonan, Weili headlined the biggest event in MMA history. It was the first time two Chinese fighters competed for a UFC title, marking a massive milestone for Asian MMA.

After a competitive opening round where Yan landed some good shots, Weili adjusted flawlessly. She found her range with her right hand, dropped Yan, and sealed the victory with a violent knockout in the second round. This win did more than defend the belt; it solidified Weili's status as the greatest strawweight in UFC history and further cemented her role as the face of MMA across Asia.

The knockout was spectacular—a short right hook that landed clean on Yan’s chin, followed by a devastating finish on the ground. The MMA world immediately hailed it as one of the best knockouts of the year. This victory also made Weili the first fighter in UFC history to defend the strawweight title in two separate reigns. It extended her winning streak to four and erased any doubts about her dominance.

Visit the official UFC 300 event page for highlights and stats.

The Legacy of a True Champion

Looking back at these defining fights, a clear narrative of evolution emerges. Weili started as a raw, powerful striker who overwhelmed her opponents. After tasting defeat, she completely revamped her training, moving across the world to learn elite wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She transformed her weaknesses into weapons.

Key Accomplishments of Zhang Weili

  • First Chinese fighter in history to win a UFC title.
  • Record for most takedowns in a UFC strawweight fight (vs. Carla Esparza).
  • Won Fight of the Year honors for her war with Joanna Jedrzejczyk.
  • Became the first fighter to defend the strawweight title in her second reign.
  • Headlined UFC 300, the biggest event in MMA history.
  • Has the longest active win streak in the strawweight division (four fights).

Her mental fortitude is equally impressive. The pressure of representing a nation is immense, yet she handles it with poise and professionalism. Her story is one of courage, evolution, and an unyielding spirit. The five fights outlined above are the pillars of a Hall of Fame career. She has faced the best in the world, fallen from grace, and climbed back higher than before.

For fans of mixed martial arts, Zhang Weili represents the pinnacle of the sport: a fighter who never stopped growing. Her journey from the streets of Hebei Province to the bright lights of the UFC serves as an inspiration to anyone chasing a seemingly impossible dream. The dynasty is far from over, and the MMA world is watching closely to see what chapter she writes next.

With each passing fight, Weili adds another layer to her legacy. She has already defeated five former or current champions in the division. Analysts now compare her to greats like Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Valentina Shevchenko, but her resume is unique in its depth of competition. Should she continue this trajectory, she may well retire as the greatest female fighter of all time. For now, she remains the queen of strawweight, a true martial arts icon.

Read ESPN’s analysis of Weili’s legacy for further insights.