A fighter’s prowess is displayed not only through their victory but also through unforgettable performances that captivate audiences around the globe. At the forefront of these performers stands Zhang Weili, China’s first-ever UFC Champion, known for her deadly strikes and tenacity in the ring. We take a look at Weili’s fiercest striking performances that have helped her bag notable victories.
The Dragon Awakens: vs Jessica Aguilar, UFC Fight Night 141
Zhang Weili first startled the MMA community with her victory against Jessica Aguilar during UFC Fight Night 141. Showing a display of skills previously unseen, she introduced herself to the world stage with a stunning barrage of strikes.
Zhang had Aguilar on the back foot throughout the fight, showing a stunning mix of knee strikes, elbows, and high kicks that had commentators and fans alike in awe. The match ended with Zhang securing a first-round submission but the raw aggression and variety in her striking were what left a lasting impression.
The Radiant Rise: vs Tecia Torres, UFC 235
Dubbed by many as her breakout performance, Zhang’s bout against Tecia Torres demonstrated that she’s not just powerful, but also a thinker in the ring. She established her range early in the fight, landing jabs and leg kicks while expertly avoiding the returning shots from Torres.
Zhang’s tactical approach translated into a virtually flawless fight, combining octagon control, precision striking, and grappling exchanges to keep Torres guessing and on the defensive.
Zhang Weili’s striking is a mixture of raw power and surgical precision that is rarely seen in the sport of MMA.
A Champion is Born: vs Jessica Andrade, UFC Fight Night 157
The fight that crowned Zhang as the Strawweight champion was undoubtedly her most spectacular display of striking. The night ended extremely quickly for the former champion Jessica Andrade, who fell to the relentless onslaught of Zhang’s strikes.
Zhang took control from the opening bell, launching a rapid-fire combination of knees and punches that overwhelmed Andrade. The vicious flurry was capped off with a relentless knee strike that saw Andrade crumble to the canvas, crowning Zhang as the new champion within 42 seconds into the first round.
An Honorable Mention: vs Joanna Jędrzejczyk, UFC 248
Though this fight ended in a controversial split-decision victory for Zhang, the five-round war against Joanna Jędrzejczyk deserves a special mention for the sheer resilience, willpower, and striking proficiency Zhang displayed.
The fight was a head-to-head battle, with both competitors seemingly not slowing down and launching a bevy of brutal strikes throughout. Zhang demonstrated her power, accuracy, and stamina in equal measures, reinforcing her status as a champion with a heart of iron and fists of fury.
Zhang Weili’s rise in the MMA has been a testament to her striking skills. Her ability to combine power, precision, and tactical wit in her striking has made her one of the most formidable strikers in the women’s strawweight division, if not the sport as a whole. As we look forward to her future fights, one thing is certain – whoever steps into the octagon with Zhang will need to be braced for a storm of strikes.
