Zhang Weili stuns UFC fans after debuting new look: “I wasn’t familiar with your game”

Zhang Weili is used to breaking faces inside the Octagon, but this time she’s breaking social media.

Weili has developed the reputation of being all business but felt it was time to switch things up outside of prizefighting. The former two-time UFC women’s strawweight titleholder took to her Instagram account to show off a new look. The glow up has left MMA fans stunned.

X user “AlphaOmegaX” chimed in by praising Zhang’s appearance.

“Sheesh! Didn’t know she a baddie fr.”

Another user, @RudyLTX, was shocked by the change having been accustomed to seeing Weili compete throughout the years.

“No freaking way.”

@SolidPat221 used the popular GIF of NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal saying, “I owe you an apology. I wasn’t familiar with your game.”

Meanwhile, “Ancient Truth Studio” was dazzled after Weili switched things up.

“What an impressive transformation with two completely different looks.”

Sophia Turner shared a similar reaction by commenting, “Weili looking absolutely stunning. Champion in the Octagon and runway ready outside it.”

Finally, “SportsTalk263” had a humorous response, as there was a request to have this version of Weili featured in the EA Sports UFC 6 video game.

“Update in UFC 6 and I will check the box for strawweights again in Ranked.”

Weili was last seen in action back in Nov. 2025. She relinquished the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship to challenge Valentina Shevchenko for the 125-pound gold. Weili fell short in her bid to become a two-division champion, losing to “Bullet” via unanimous decision.

After Weili vacated the strawweight title, Mackenzie Dern defeated Virna Jandiroba to capture the gold at UFC 321. Dern’s first title defense will not be against Weili, as she is scheduled to put the championship at stake against Gilian Robertson at UFC 330 on Aug. 15.

There’s no word on who Weili, a surefire future UFC Hall of Famer in the modern wing, will be facing next. She was recently inducted into the fight wing portion of the Hall of Fame thanks to her 2020 classic against Joanna Jedrzejczyk.