Few fighters in the UFC embody strength, resilience, and precision like Weili Zhang. Known for her explosive striking and incredible stamina, she has become the face of women’s MMA in China.
With world-class performances and a relentless drive, Zhang continues to dominate the strawweight division while inspiring millions around the globe.
This article teaches you about Weili Zhang’s net worth, biography, UFC fight purses, endorsements, career achievements, partner, career overview, and more.
Last 5 Fights
| Date | Opponent | Event | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 15, 2025 | Valentina Shevchenko | UFC 322 | Loss (Unanimous Decision) |
| Feb 8, 2025 | Tatiana Suarez | UFC 312 | Win (Unanimous Decision) |
| Apr 13, 2024 | Yan Xiaonan | UFC 300 | Win (Unanimous Decision) |
| Aug 19, 2023 | Amanda Lemos | UFC 292 | Win (Unanimous Decision) |
| Nov 12, 2022 | Carla Esparza | UFC 281 | Win (Submission) |
Weili Zhang’s Biography
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Zhang Weili |
| Nickname | Magnum |
| Birth Date | August 13, 1989 |
| Birthplace | Handan, Hebei, China |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (1.63 m) |
| Weight | 115 lbs (52 kg) |
| College | Xinyu Vocational and Technical College |
| Religion | Buddhism |
| Nationality | Chinese |
| Turned Professional | 2013 |
| Salary | $500,000–$1 million per fight |
| Current Net Worth | Around $8–10 million |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Spouse | None |
| Car Collection | Audi Q7, BMW X5 |
| Bike Collection | Ducati Monster |
| Top Brands’ Uses | Monster Energy, Nike, Hyperice |
| Hobby | Fitness training, traveling, music |
| Instagram Profile | @zhangweilimma |
Weili Zhang was born on August 13, 1989, in Handan, Hebei, China. She grew up in a modest family that valued discipline and perseverance. Her parents supported her athletic dreams from a young age, motivating her to pursue martial arts despite early challenges.
Her journey began with training in Sanda and traditional martial arts before transitioning into mixed martial arts.
Zhang’s family encouraged her to stay focused, and their constant support became the foundation of her remarkable rise to global recognition.
Early Career
Weili Zhang started her professional MMA career in 2013, quickly proving her dominance in the Chinese MMA circuit. Her aggressive fighting style and knockout power earned her recognition.
She built a strong reputation by defeating several opponents in regional promotions, which soon caught the attention of international organisations.
Professional Career
Zhang signed with the UFC in 2018, and her debut against Danielle Taylor instantly showcased her talent. Within just over a year, she shocked the MMA world by defeating Jessica Andrade in August 2019 to become the first Chinese-born UFC champion.
Her most iconic battle came in March 2020 against Joanna Jędrzejczyk, a fight many consider one of the greatest in UFC history. Zhang retained her title in a brutal 5-round war, proving her heart and durability.
Although she lost the belt to Rose Namajunas in 2021, she bounced back with impressive wins and reclaimed the strawweight title in 2022. By 2026, Zhang remains one of the most feared and respected champions in UFC history.
Weili Zhang’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Weili Zhang has an estimated net worth of $8–10 million. Her earnings come from fight purses, UFC contracts, sponsorships, and endorsement deals. With her growing fame, her wealth continues to rise steadily.
Contract
| Contract Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Promotion | UFC |
| Division | Women’s Strawweight |
| Estimated Base Pay | $500,000–$1 million per fight |
| PPV Points | Yes (championship level) |
| Sponsorships | Venum + private endorsements |
| Major Market | China & international MMA |
| Gym | Fight Ready |
| UFC Debut | 2018 |
UFC Fight Purses
| Fight / Event | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| Valentina Shevchenko — UFC 322 (2025) | $1.5–2 million+ |
| Tatiana Suarez — UFC 312 (2025) | $1–1.5 million |
| Yan Xiaonan — UFC 300 (2024) | $800,000+ |
| Amanda Lemos — UFC 292 (2023) | $700,000+ |
| Carla Esparza — UFC 281 (2022) | $500,000+ |
| Joanna Jędrzejczyk — UFC 275 (2022) | $400,000+ |
Endorsements
- Nike
- Monster Energy
- Hyperice
- Venum
- Sports brands in China
Career Records
| Date | Opponent | Result | Decision | Round | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 2019 | Jessica Andrade | Win | TKO | 1 | 0:42 | UFC Fight Night: Shenzhen |
| Mar 2020 | Joanna Jędrzejczyk | Win | Decision | 5 | 5:00 | UFC 248 |
| Apr 2021 | Rose Namajunas | Loss | KO | 1 | 1:18 | UFC 261 |
| Nov 2021 | Rose Namajunas | Loss | Decision | 5 | 5:00 | UFC 268 |
| Nov 2022 | Carla Esparza | Win | Submission | 2 | 1:05 | UFC 281 |
| Aug 2023 | Amanda Lemos | Win | Decision | 5 | 5:00 | UFC 292 |
Major Achievements
- First Chinese-born UFC Champion
- UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion (multiple reigns)
- Winner of Fight of the Year (2020 vs Joanna Jędrzejczyk)
- Global ambassador for MMA in China
FAQs
What is Weili Zhang’s net worth in 2026?
As of 2026, Weili Zhang has an estimated net worth of $8–10 million. Her UFC earnings, sponsorships, and huge popularity in China contribute heavily to her wealth.
How much does Weili Zhang earn per UFC fight?
Zhang reportedly earns between $1–2 million for major championship-level fights when pay-per-view bonuses and sponsorships are included.
Is Weili Zhang a UFC champion?
Yes, Weili Zhang is a two-time UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion and the first Chinese fighter to win a UFC title.
What is Weili Zhang’s fighting style?
She is known for elite striking, strong wrestling, powerful clinch work, and excellent conditioning. Many MMA analysts consider her one of the most complete female fighters in UFC history.
Who was Weili Zhang’s toughest opponent?
Many fans consider her fights against Joanna Jędrzejczyk and Valentina Shevchenko was among the toughest and most legendary battles of her career.
What is Weili Zhang’s MMA record?
As of 2026, Weili Zhang holds a professional MMA record of 26 wins and 4 losses. She has victories by knockout, submission, and decision.
Why is Weili Zhang important in MMA history?
She helped massively grow MMA popularity in China and became one of Asia’s most successful UFC champions. Her success inspired many young fighters across the region.
What are Weili Zhang’s biggest UFC achievements?
Her biggest achievements include winning the UFC strawweight title twice and participating in one of the greatest women’s fights ever against Joanna Jędrzejczyk.
Does Weili Zhang still compete in 2026?
Yes, Weili Zhang remains active in elite MMA competition in 2026 despite recent championship-level losses and title changes.
Is Weili Zhang considered one of the best female MMA fighters ever?
Many UFC fans and analysts rank Zhang among the greatest female fighters because of her championship reigns, exciting fighting style, and global impact on MMA.
