Weili Zhang News
Weili Zhang tells Henry Cejudo 'welcome to the female division'
Adam D Martin - September 1, 2019
New UFC women’s strawweight champion Weili Zhang welcomed men’s flyweight and bantamweight champion Henry Cejudo to the women’s divisions in a comical social media post. Cejudo has been calling out female fighters for the last month, with Valentina Shevchenko, Germaine de Randamie and now Zhang all getting called out on social media by “Triple C.” Zhang saw that Cejudo called her out and responded to him.
Ronda Rousey praises Weili Zhang for title win at UFC Shenzhen
Adam D Martin - September 1, 2019
Women’s MMA trailblazer Ronda Rousey offered praise for the performance of new UFC strawweight champion Weili Zhang in the main event of UFC China. The long-time UFC women’s bantamweight champion took to her Instagram to post a congratulatory message to Zhang, who needed just 42 seconds to finish Jessica Andrade and become the new champ at 115lbs.
Dana White addresses UFC strawweight title picture, praises Weili Zhang
Chris Taylor - August 31, 2019
UFC President Dana White heaped praise at the newly crowned UFC strawweight champion Weili Zhang during today’s post-fight press conference in Shenzhen. Zhang defeated Jessica Andrade in just 42-seconds (watch that here) to capture the promotions coveted 115-pound title in today’s headliner. In doing so, Weili became the first Chinese champion in UFC history and also extended her current win streak to twenty in a row.
Dana White responds to Weili Zhang vs. Ronda Rousey comparisons
Chris Taylor - August 31, 2019
Weili Zhang became the first Chinese champion in UFC history earlier today in Shenzhen, this after scoring a 42-second TKO victory over Jessica Andrade. The sensational victory improved Zhang’s current win streak to twenty in a row and immediately resulted in comparisons to women’s MMA icon Ronda Rousey.
UFC Shenzhen Results: Weili Zhang KO's Jessica Andrade (VIDEO)
Chris Taylor - August 31, 2019
Jessica Andrade put her UFC strawweight title on the line against Weili Zhang in the headliner of tonight’s UFC Shenzhen event. The Brazilian had captured the belt earlier this summer at UFC 237, when she infamously knocked out Rose Namajunas by slamming her on the Octagon canvas.
Jessica Andrade explains why Weili Zhang is a tougher fight than Rose Namajunas
Cole Shelton - August 30, 2019
Jessica Andrade believes Weili Zhang is a tougher opponent when compared to Rose Namajunas. The Brazilian champion is set for her first title defense when she takes on the Chinese challenger in Zhang. Andrade had won the belt when she infamously knocked out Namajunas by slamming her on her head at UFC 237.
UFC Shenzhen weigh-in results: one misses weight
Cole Shelton - August 29, 2019
The UFC heads to Shenzhen, China on Saturday, Aug. 31 for the first time in promotional history for UFC Shenzhen. In the main event, Jessica Andrade looks to defend her strawweight title when she takes on Weili Zhang. The co-main event of the card features a key welterweight contest as Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos takes on Li Jingliang.
Jessica Andrade plans to prove she is 'the best in the world' at UFC Shenzhen
Cole Shelton - August 28, 2019
Jessica Andrade is set for her first title defense in the main event of UFC Shenzhen. She will be taking on Weili Zhang in the challenger’s home country of China. For Andrade, defending her belt in hostile territory will be a new experience, but fighting in someone else’s backyard will not be.
UFC Shenzhen | Pro fighters make their picks for Jessica Andrade vs. Weili Zhang title fight
Cole Shelton - August 28, 2019
This weekend, the Octagon heads to Shenzhen, China. In the card’s main event, Jessica Andrade will put her strawweight title on the line against China’s Weili Zhang. Heading into the fight, the champion is a -160 favorite, while the challenger from China is a +130 underdog. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The majority are leaning towards Jessica Andrade’s power being too much for Weili Zhang.
Weili Zhang gets message of support from 'proud' Ronda Rousey
Tom Taylor - August 22, 2019
At UFC Shenzhen, China’s Weili Zhang will attempt to wrest the UFC strawweight title from the waist of champion Jessica Andrade — and she’ll do so with women’s MMA trailblazer Ronda Rousey looking on proudly. Speaking on her official Instagram account, the former UFC bantamweight champ Rousey discussed the pride she feels seeing how far women’s MMA has come, and sent a special shoutout to Zhang.
Dana White updates on status of UFC Shenzhen card amid rising political tensions
Tom Taylor - August 19, 2019
Tensions are currently running high in Hong Kong, as thousands of pro-democracy protesters have taken their grievances to the streets of the Chinese territory. Normally, this kind of news would not infiltrate the MMA bubble, but the UFC has plans to touch down in the neighboring Chinese city of Shenzhen on August 31, which makes it quite relevant. The situation in Hong Kong, which has underway since June, has resulted in hundreds of arrests, violent collisions between protesters and police, airport shutdowns, and a boosted military presence at the China-Hong Kong border. Given this strife, there has been widespread worry the UFC may have to cancel the upcoming UFC Shenzhen card.
Michael Bisping says Weili Zhang may beat Jessica Andrade
Fernando Quiles - June 24, 2019
Michael Bisping doesn’t believe it would be wise of fight fans to sleep on Weili Zhang. Zhang is set to challenge Jessica Andrade for the UFC women’s strawweight title at UFC Shenzhen on Aug. 31. While Zhang has only had three fights under the UFC banner, she certainly isn’t a rookie with 20 professional bouts to her credit. Bisping took to his “Believe You Me” podcast to praise Zhang:
UFC to return to China in August
Adam Martin - May 20, 2019
The UFC is headed back to China. Officials announced on Monday that the promotion will hold UFC Fight Night 157 at Universiade Sports Centre in Shenzhen, China on August 31. The card will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
UFC Contender Weili Zhang inks new deal
Nolan King - March 31, 2019
One of the UFC’s fastest rising strawweight isn’t going anywhere any time soon. Currently ranked #7, China’s Weili Zhang (19-1) has signed a new multi-fight deal with the UFC, per her manager Brian Butler-Au. BJPenn.com’s Drake Riggs has since learned the deal is for six-fights.
UFC 235 Results: Weili Zhang defeats Tecia Torres (Highlights)
Chris Taylor - March 2, 2019
A women’s strawweight bout between Weili Zhang and Tecia Torres took place tonight’s UFC 235 main card from Las Vegas. Tecia Torres entered tonight’s fight looking to rebound, this after suffering back to back decision losses to Jessica Andrade and Joanna Jedrzejczyk.
EXCLUSIVE | Weili Zhang: Remember the name
Drake Riggs - February 18, 2019
In the modern era of mixed martial arts, there are many different reasons one could find themselves attracted to this sport that is the purest form of combat. For every different country, every different person, what it is that piques their interest compared to another might not be identical which just goes to show the great depth that the sport can provide whether as a viewer, participant, or both.
