Zhang Weili: A Complete Profile of the MMA Sensation
Zhang Weili is one of the most dominant and influential women in mixed martial arts today. Known for her ferocious fighting style, relentless work ethic, and trailblazing achievements, she has become a global icon in the UFC. But beyond the cage, many fans wonder: who is Zhang Weili as a person? What about her relationships, her physical stats, and her career record? This profile dives into all those details — from her height and weight to her love life, and her MMA journey.
Early Life and Background
Born on August 13, 1989, in Handan, Hebei, China, Zhang Weili grew up in modest surroundings. From a young age, she showed a passion for martial arts, training in sanda (Chinese kickboxing) and wrestling disciplines. Her parents played a significant role in her upbringing: her father once worked as a miner, while her mother was a homemaker.
Zhang’s sibling support system is also notable: she has an older brother who, according to some profiles, left his job to help Zhang’s training and career, even joining the gym where she trains.
Physical Stats: Height, Weight & Shirt (or Build)
Height & Reach
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Zhang Weili stands 5′4″ (1.63 m) tall.
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Her reach is listed at 63 inches (approximately 160 cm).
Weight
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In the UFC, she has competed at 115 lbs (52 kg) in strawweight.
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Some sources also list her at 56 kg, likely reflecting a different measurement point.
Build / “Shirt” Size
While there’s no publicly confirmed shirt size for Zhang Weili, her athletic physique is well-documented. She has a muscular, compact build shaped by years of sanda, Muay Thai, and MMA training. Given her weight class and body composition, she likely wears clothing sized for athletic or compact builds rather than standard fashion-fit sizing.
MMA Career and Fighting Record
Zhang Weili’s journey in MMA is nothing short of remarkable. Here’s a breakdown of her career and key stats:
Professional Debut & Rise
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Zhang turned pro in 2013, starting her career in regional circuits before making her way to the global stage.
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Her UFC debut was on August 4, 2018 at UFC 227, where she defeated Danielle Taylor via unanimous decision.
Fighting Style
She fights out of Beijing Black Tiger and is known for a switch stance, blending striking (especially Muay Thai) with grappling.
Record
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As of recent records, she has a 26–3 professional MMA record.
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Breakdown of her wins:
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11 wins by (T)KO
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8 wins by submission
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Some sources note her pro debut was a loss, but she went on to build a dominant record.
Championships & Notable Fights
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Zhang became the UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion, with multiple successful defenses.
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She vacated her strawweight title in October 2025 to challenge for the Flyweight (125 lb) belt.
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At UFC 312, she defended her strawweight title against Tatiana Suarez.
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Her fight record includes big wins over names like Carla Esparza (by submission) and Joanna Jędrzejczyk (by knockout).
Personal Life: Boyfriend or Husband?
One of the most common questions fans ask is about Zhang Weili’s personal / romantic life: does she have a boyfriend? Is she married? Does she have a husband or children?
Relationship Status
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According to Sportskeeda, as of April 2024, Zhang Weili is not publicly in a relationship.
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EssentiallySports also reports that she has no confirmed partner, noting she keeps her private life separate from her public persona.
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In a 2025 interview or report, she mentioned that finding a partner is harder than fighting.
Husband Rumors
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Several unreliable or unverified sources claim that her husband is Alessio Sakara, a former Italian UFC fighter.
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However, credible MMA media outlets and biographical sources do not confirm any marriage or child. MainCardMoney reports she does not have a husband or kids as of 2025, emphasizing her private nature.
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Other older or speculative articles (e.g., ABTC) also state that her marital status is unknown.
Conclusion on Relationships
Given the current state of public knowledge:
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There is no verified husband for Zhang Weili as of now.
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She is not confirmed to be dating anyone publicly.
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Zhang appears to prioritize her career, training, and fighting, and has publicly expressed the difficulty of balancing personal life with her demanding profession.
Legacy & Impact
Zhang Weili is more than just a champion — she’s a pioneer. Some of her most significant contributions to MMA and sport more broadly include:
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First Chinese UFC Champion: She made history as one of the first Chinese fighters to win a UFC title.
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Trailblazer for Women in MMA: Her aggressive style, finishing ability, and high-level performance make her a role model for female fighters, especially in Asia.
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International Influence: By moving up weight classes and challenging herself (e.g., for the flyweight title), she continues to grow her legacy.
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Work Ethic & Discipline: Her training background in sanda, wrestling, and striking provides a foundation for her well-rounded skill set, and she has often spoken about discipline and sacrifice.
FAQs
Q1: How tall is Zhang Weili?
A1: She is 5′4″ (1.63 m) tall.
Q2: What is Zhang Weili’s fighting weight?
A2: She has competed at 115 lbs in the UFC strawweight division.
Q3: What is Zhang Weili’s MMA record?
A3: Her professional MMA record is approximately 26 wins and 3 losses, with 11 KOs and 8 submissions.
Q4: Is Zhang Weili married or does she have a husband?
A4: There is no verified information confirming that she is married. While some sources speculate about a husband, reputable MMA and biography outlets state she remains single and private.
Q5: Does Zhang Weili have a boyfriend?
A5: As of the latest updates, Zhang Weili has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationship. She keeps her personal life largely out of the spotlight.
Q6: What gym/team does she train with?
A6: She fights out of Beijing Black Tiger and employs a switch stance, blending striking and grappling.
Q7: What titles has Zhang Weili won?
A7: She has held the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship, defended it multiple times, then vacated it in 2025 to pursue the women’s flyweight title.
Final Thoughts
Zhang Weili is a force of nature in the world of mixed martial arts. Her physical attributes — 5′4″, 115 lbs — combined with her aggressive style and well-rounded skills make her a standout. But just as compelling is her personal journey: a fiercely private person, deeply committed to her craft, with no publicly confirmed romantic relationships. Her focus remains on her career, her legacy, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for fighters — especially for women in MMA.
As Zhang continues to compete at the highest level, fans around the world will undoubtedly keep watching not just for her next fight, but for any glimpse into the life she keeps so artfully guarded.
