Zhang Weili, known as “Magnum,” has become a trailblazing figure in mixed martial arts (MMA) as the first Chinese and East Asian champion in UFC history.
Her remarkable journey from a small town in Hebei Province to the pinnacle of the UFC has captivated fans worldwide.
In this article, you will learn about Zhang Weili’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Zhang Weili’s Biography
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Zhang Weili (张伟丽) |
| Date of Birth | August 13, 1989 |
| Place of Birth | Handan, Hebei Province, China |
| Nationality | Chinese |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (163 cm) |
| Weight | 115 lb (52 kg) |
| Division | Strawweight |
| Team | Black Tiger Fight Club |
| Nickname | Magnum |
Early Career
Zhang Weili’s martial arts journey began in childhood with traditional Chinese martial arts and Sanda.
Growing up in Handan, a city known for its martial arts heritage, she was immersed in combat sports from an early age.
She explored various career paths, including working as a hotel receptionist and kindergarten P.E. teacher, before finding her way back to combat sports through MMA.
Professional Career
Zhang made her professional MMA debut in 2013 at age 24. After losing her first fight, she embarked on an impressive 20-fight winning streak.
Zhang’s rise in the UFC was meteoric, culminating in her winning the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship in 2019 by defeating Jéssica Andrade in just 42 seconds.
She successfully defended her title against Joanna Jędrzejczyk in a highly acclaimed fight at UFC 248.
Zhang Weili’s Net Worth Details
Zhang Weili’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million as of 2025.
Career Earnings
| Event | Opponent | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| UFC 292 | Amanda Lemos | $542,000 |
| UFC 281 | Carla Esparza | $532,000 |
| UFC 275 | Joanna Jędrzejczyk | $422,000 |
| UFC 268 | Rose Namajunas | $382,000 |
| UFC 261 | Rose Namajunas | $380,000 |
| UFC 248 | Joanna Jędrzejczyk | $290,000 |
| UFC Fight Night 157 | Jéssica Andrade | $180,000 |
Endorsements
Zhang Weili has secured several endorsement deals, capitalizing on her status as a UFC champion and her popularity in China. Some of her notable endorsements include:
- Xiaomi (Chinese electronics company).
- Li-Ning (Chinese sportswear and equipment company).
- Bank of ChinaJD.com (Chinese e-commerce company).
- Mengniu Dairy (Chinese dairy products company).
Career Stats
| Opponent | Result | Event | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yan Xiaonan | Win | UFC 300 | April 13, 2024 |
| Amanda Lemos | Win | UFC 292 | August 19, 2023 |
| Carla Esparza | Win | UFC 281 | November 12, 2022 |
| Joanna Jędrzejczyk | Win | UFC 275 | June 11, 2022 |
| Rose Namajunas | Loss | UFC 268 | November 6, 2021 |
| Rose Namajunas | Loss | UFC 261 | April 24, 2021 |
| Joanna Jędrzejczyk | Win | UFC 248 | March 7, 2020 |
| Jéssica Andrade | Win | UFC Fight Night 157 | August 31, 2019 |
FAQs
1. Who is Zhang Weili?
Zhang Weili, also known as “Magnum,” is a Chinese mixed martial artist who competes in the UFC’s Strawweight division. She is the first Chinese and East Asian fighter to win a UFC championship. As of February 2025, she is a two-time UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion with an MMA record of 26 wins and 3 losses.
2. What are Zhang Weili’s greatest achievements in the UFC?
Zhang became the first Chinese UFC champion in 2019 by defeating Jessica Andrade via first-round TKO. Her fight against Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 248 is considered one of the greatest in MMA history. She has successfully defended her title multiple times and is ranked among the top pound-for-pound female fighters.
3. What is Zhang Weili’s fighting style?
Zhang employs a versatile fighting style that combines Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kung Fu, Sanda, and Muay Thai. Known for her elite cardio and adaptability, she excels in both striking and grappling, making her one of the most complete fighters in women’s MMA.
4. Where was Zhang Weili born, and how did she start her career?
Zhang was born on August 13, 1989, in Handan, Hebei, China. Inspired by kung fu movies, she began training in martial arts at age six. After working as a personal trainer, she transitioned to professional MMA in 2013 and quickly rose through the ranks to become a global star.
5. What records does Zhang Weili hold in the UFC?
Zhang holds several records, including being the first Chinese UFC champion and achieving one of the longest winning streaks (21 fights) in women’s MMA before her first loss. She has also been part of multiple Fight of the Year awards and remains a dominant force in her division.
6. How has Zhang Weili impacted MMA in China?
Zhang’s success has significantly boosted MMA’s popularity in China, inspiring many young athletes to pursue martial arts professionally. Her achievements have made her a national icon and helped elevate Chinese representation on the global MMA stage.
7. Who are Zhang Weili’s coaches?
Zhang has trained under various coaches throughout her career, including Xuejun Cai (MMA), Pedro Jordão (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu), and John Wood (Syndicate MMA). She also trained with former double champion Henry Cejudo to improve her wrestling and mental toughness.
8. What are some notable fights in Zhang Weili’s career?
Her most iconic fights include defeating Jessica Andrade to win her first title, her legendary bout against Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 248, and her victory over Carla Esparza to reclaim the strawweight title in 2022. She also won an all-Chinese title fight against Yan Xiaonan at UFC 300.
9. What challenges has Zhang Weili faced in her career?
Zhang faced early setbacks, losing her professional debut in 2013 and twice to Rose Namajunas during title defenses. Despite these losses, she demonstrated resilience by reclaiming her championship and continuing to dominate her division.
10. What is Zhang Weili’s current status in the UFC?
As of February 2025, Zhang is the reigning UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion with three successful title defenses during her second reign. She remains one of the top pound-for-pound fighters globally and continues to inspire fans with her dedication to improvement.
