Zhang Weili, also known as “Magnum,” is one of the most dominant and inspirational figures in mixed martial arts today. As the first Chinese UFC champion, her journey from humble beginnings in Hebei, China, to the top of the global MMA world is a testament to resilience, skill, and relentless ambition. This article breaks down every aspect of Zhang Weili’s life and career, from her personal details and early years to her fight purses, endorsements, and legacy.
Zhang Weili’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Name | Zhang Weili (张伟丽) |
| Nickname | Magnum |
| Born | August 13, 1989, Handan, Hebei, China |
| Age | 35 years |
| College | N/A |
| Religion | N/A |
| Nationality | Chinese |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (163 cm) |
| Turned Pro | 2013 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $5 million |
| Salary | Up to $1.7 million per fight |
| Spouse | Married to Xu Jun |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Child | One daughter |
| Instagram Profile | @zhangweilimma |
Early Career
Zhang Weili’s love for martial arts began at age six, inspired by kung fu movies and Chinese legends. She trained in Shaolin kung fu and Sanda, later attending a specialized martial arts school. After moving to Beijing at 17, she worked as a personal trainer before returning to competitive martial arts. Her early dedication and family support laid the foundation for her future MMA career.
Professional Career
Zhang made her professional MMA debut in 2013 at age 24. Despite losing her first fight, she rebounded with a 20-fight win streak, dominating the Chinese and Asian MMA circuits. She captured the Kunlun Fight Female Strawweight title and Top FC Strawweight title, cementing her status as a top prospect. Zhang joined the UFC in 2018, quickly rising through the ranks with her aggressive, well-rounded style.
In August 2019, she made history by defeating Jessica Andrade in just 42 seconds to become the first Chinese UFC champion. She has since defended her title multiple times, including classic battles against Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Rose Namajunas. As of 2025, Zhang is a two-time UFC Strawweight Champion, with a legacy as one of the greatest female fighters in MMA history.
Zhang Weili’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Zhang Weili’s net worth is estimated at $5 million, derived from fight purses, endorsements, and sponsorships.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Estimated Earnings |
| UFC 312 (2025) | Tatiana Suarez | $1,742,000 (base, PPV, sponsor) |
| UFC 300 (2024) | Yan Xiaonan | $2,250,000 (est.) |
| UFC 292 (2023) | Amanda Lemos | $520,000 |
| UFC 281 (2022) | Carla Esparza | $532,000 |
| UFC 275 (2022) | Joanna Jedrzejczyk | $422,000 |
| UFC 268 (2021) | Rose Namajunas | $382,000 |
| UFC 261 (2021) | Rose Namajunas | $380,000 |
| UFC 248 (2020) | Joanna Jedrzejczyk | $290,000 |
| UFC Fight Night 157 | Jessica Andrade | $180,000 |
Endorsements
- Estee Lauder (cosmetics, China ambassador)
- Xiaomi (electronics)
- Li-Ning (sportswear)
- Bank of China
- JD.com (e-commerce)
- Mengniu Dairy (dairy products)
- Under Armour
- Heilan Home
- Monster Energy
- Perfect Sports
- BCAA Nutrition
- Audi (commercial appearance)
Career Records
| Date | Opponent | Result | Event | Method |
| Feb 8, 2025 | Tatiana Suarez | Win (Decision) | UFC 312: Du Plessis vs. Strickland 2 | Unanimous Decision |
| Apr 13, 2024 | Yan Xiaonan | Win (Decision) | UFC 300: Pereira vs. Hill | Unanimous Decision |
| Aug 19, 2023 | Amanda Lemos | Win (Decision) | UFC 292: Sterling vs. O’Malley | Unanimous Decision |
| Nov 12, 2022 | Carla Esparza | Win (Submission) | UFC 281: Adesanya vs. Pereira | Rear Naked Choke |
| Jun 11, 2022 | Joanna Jedrzejczyk | Win (KO/TKO) | UFC 275: Teixeira vs. Procházka | Spinning Backfist KO |
| Nov 6, 2021 | Rose Namajunas | Loss (Decision) | UFC 268: Usman vs. Covington 2 | Split Decision |
| Apr 24, 2021 | Rose Namajunas | Loss (KO/TKO) | UFC 261: Usman vs. Masvidal 2 | Head Kick KO |
| Mar 7, 2020 | Joanna Jedrzejczyk | Win (Decision) | UFC 248: Adesanya vs. Romero | Split Decision |
| Aug 31, 2019 | Jessica Andrade | Win (KO/TKO) | UFC Fight Night: Andrade vs. Zhang | TKO (Punches) |
FAQs
1. Who is Zhang Weili?
Zhang Weili is a Chinese professional mixed martial artist who competes in the women’s Strawweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). She is the current and two-time UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion and the first Chinese fighter to win a UFC championship.
2. What is Zhang Weili’s fighting style?
Zhang Weili’s fighting style is a blend of Sanda (Chinese kickboxing), Muay Thai, kickboxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She is known for her powerful striking, clinch work, takedown defense, and submission skills.
3. When did Zhang Weili start her MMA career?
Zhang Weili began her professional MMA career in 2013, making her debut at the age of 24.
4. What are Zhang Weili’s most notable achievements in MMA?
Zhang Weili became the first Chinese and Asian UFC champion by winning the strawweight title in 2019. She has held the belt twice and is recognized as one of the top female MMA fighters in the world.
5. How many professional MMA fights has Zhang Weili won and lost?
Zhang Weili has a professional record of 26 wins and 3 losses.
6. Who did Zhang Weili defeat to win her first UFC championship?
Zhang Weili won her first UFC strawweight title by defeating Jessica Andrade in August 2019, finishing the fight in just 42 seconds.
7. What is Zhang Weili’s background before joining the UFC?
Before joining the UFC, Zhang Weili competed for Kunlun Fight, where she was the KLF Women’s Strawweight Champion. She has a strong background in Sanda and other martial arts from a young age.
8. What is Zhang Weili’s most famous fight?
Her fight against Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 248 is widely regarded as one of the greatest bouts in MMA history, earning acclaim for its intensity and skill.
9. How has Zhang Weili influenced MMA in China?
Zhang Weili’s success has made her a trailblazer for Chinese MMA, inspiring a new generation of fighters and significantly raising the sport’s profile in China.
10. What are Zhang Weili’s physical stats?
Zhang Weili is 5’4″ (162.56 cm) tall, weighs 115 lbs (52.16 kg), and was born on August 13, 1989.