Tai Chi and Cage Fighting: Zhang WeiLi, China’s UFC Champion

On April 14th, Ultimate Fighting Champion 300 unfolded—a historic combat sports event that left an indelible mark. Twelve current and former champions from various divisions and promotions converged, setting records for ticket sales and pay-per-view. At the heart of it all was Zhang Weili, a two-time strawweight champion, trailblazer in women’s MMA, and devoted Tai Chi practitioner.

Weili’s roots trace back to Hanan in Hebei Province, a cradle of Tai Chi culture. It’s where Yang Lu Chan (founder of Yang Style Taijiquan) and Sun Lu Tang (founder of Sun Style Taijiquan) were born. From an early age, Weili immersed herself in martial arts, fuelled by her birthplace’s rich heritage. She begged her parents to enrol her in martial arts school at the tender age of six. Initially training in Shaolin Kung Fu, she went on to study Sanda and Shuai Jiao, embracing it’s Yin-Yang principles.

Despite her parents’ concerns about the industry’s sustainability, Weili remained committed. As a kindergarten teacher, she moonlighted at a local gym, dreaming of making a living from her martial skills. Her professional debut ended in defeat, but she rebounded with eleven consecutive wins. Her versatility shone through—a decisive dismantling of opponents in grappling and ground strikes catapulted her to stardom. She even drew inspiration from the flexible yet powerful striking of Tong Bei Quan, another Hebei-born kung fu style.

The UFC took notice, offering Weili a contract. She ascended rapidly, defeating high-level opponents and proving her mettle. In just her fourth fight, she faced her idol, Jessica Andrade, for the Strawweight belt. The result? A knockout victory in a mere 42 seconds—a testament to her Tai Chi-infused journey.

Weili continues to credit her background in traditional Chinese martial arts for her edge in the cage. Many international fighters remain unfamiliar with the styles and approaches she brings to competition. In her pre-fight camp, she delved into traditional Chinese wrestling and Tai Chi moves. The shift of bodyweight, composure, finesse, and balance embodied in those routines honed her skills as an MMA athlete.

At UFC 300, Weili faced Yan Xianon. After nearly being submitted by her compatriot in the first round, Yan rallied and fought fiercely for the remaining twenty minutes. The scorecards reflected a wire-to-wire victory for Weili, showcasing high-level striking from both fighters. This historic event spotlighted Chinese martial arts—both traditional and contemporary variations. Regardless of the outcome, it marked a triumph for Chinese mixed martial arts.

China’s MMA community continues to flourish, driven by the success of female fighters. Traditionalism and modern development converge, unifying the country’s martial heritage. But for Weili herself, Tai Chi remains her anchor—a timeless practice she always returns to.