Weili Zhang News
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.
Weili Zhang open to Valentina Shevchenko fight after UFC Shenzhen
Tom Taylor - August 28, 2019
There has never been a Chinese champion in the UFC. Hebei’s Weili Zhang is looking to change that. This Saturday, when the UFC touches down in Shenzhen, China, the streaking strawweight contender will battle Brazilian champion Jessica Andrade for divisional gold. Zhang can imagine no outcome more perfect than becoming the UFC’s first Chinese champion in front of an arena-full of Chinese fans, and believes a victory will inspire people all over her country.
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.
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:
Jessica Andrade vs Weili Zhang targeted for UFC China
Mike Pendleton - June 11, 2019
After winning the UFC women’s strawweight title in her home country of Brazil, new champion Jessica Andrade is reportedly heading into enemy territory for her first title defense. According to Brett Okamoto of ESPN, while contracts haven’t been signed, a strawweight title fight between Andrade and Weili Zhang is close to being finalized for UFC China which will take place on August 31, in Shenzhen, China and will be broadcasted on ESPN+.
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.
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.
Tecia Torres vs Weili Zhang official for UFC 235
Drake Riggs - November 29, 2018
The UFC strawweight division is deeper and better than it’s ever been right now and leading the new wave of talent is China’s Weili Zhang (18-1). Holding quite the impressive record of 18-1 in her 19 career bouts, Zhang’s lone loss came in her pro debut. Having not looked back since, Zhang has dominated her competition on route to 16 finishes (10 KO/TKOs, six submissions) and six titles in Kunlun Fight MMA.