Zhang Weili is one of the most dominant forces in UFC women’s MMA, but fans still ask a surprisingly common question: “Is Zhang Weili the champion right now?”
Her career has had multiple title runs, division changes, and historic moments — so it makes sense that people want a clear, updated answer.
Here’s everything you need to know about her current status, the belt she held, why she vacated it, and what’s happening next.
Is Zhang Weili the Champion Right Now?
As of 2025, Zhang Weili is not the current strawweight champion.
She recently vacated her UFC Strawweight (115 lb) title after multiple successful defenses. She chose to move up a weight class to take on a new challenge instead of continuing to defend the belt. Because of that decision, the strawweight title is now vacant and awaiting new contenders.
So while she is not the active champion today, she is still:
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A former two-time UFC strawweight champion
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One of the most successful champions in UFC women’s history
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A global MMA superstar and top-tier contender
Her “champ” era is not over — it’s simply shifting into a new chapter.
Why Did Zhang Weili Vacate Her Strawweight Belt?
Zhang didn’t lose her title in a fight. She gave it up voluntarily for one clear reason:
She moved up to the Flyweight division (125 lb).
This decision was strategic and career-focused. After dominating at strawweight, Zhang wanted:
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A new challenge
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Bigger fights
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Stronger opponents
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A chance to become a two-division champion
Moving up in weight allows her to test herself in a division that includes some of the most skilled fighters in women’s MMA.
Her Next Goal: Becoming Flyweight Champion
Zhang Weili’s move to the Flyweight division isn’t just symbolic — it comes with a massive opportunity. She is scheduled to fight for the UFC Flyweight Championship, aiming to claim a belt in a second weight class.
If she wins, she will become one of the very few fighters — male or female — to hold titles in two different UFC divisions.
This potential achievement would elevate her legacy even further.
A Look Back: Her Championship History
Even though she’s not currently holding a belt, Zhang Weili’s championship history is incredible.
1. First Chinese UFC Champion (2019)
In August 2019, Zhang defeated Jessica Andrade with a stunning first-round TKO. That victory made her:
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The first Chinese UFC champion ever
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One of the biggest sports icons in China
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A global name in MMA
2. Defended Her Belt in Fight of the Year Classics
Her five-round war with Joanna Jedrzejczyk is widely considered one of the greatest women’s fights in UFC history. Her title reign included highlight-reel battles and world-class performances.
3. Regained the Title Later
Even after losing the belt at one point, Zhang fought her way back and reclaimed the strawweight championship — proving her resilience, consistency, and elite mindset.
She has already lived a full championship career, and she’s far from done.
Why Fans Still Call Her “Champ”
Even though Zhang Weili doesn’t currently hold a belt, fans, commentators, and fighters still refer to her as “champ.” Here’s why:
1. Multiple Title Runs
She didn’t win the belt once — she won it twice. Few fighters in any division manage that.
2. Champion-Level Performance
Every fight camp, every performance, and every round she fights reflects championship quality. She trains like a champ. She fights like a champ. And she carries herself like one.
3. Cultural Impact
In China and across Asia, many fans refer to her as “Champion Zhang” out of respect, regardless of her current belt status.
4. A Legacy That Doesn’t Disappear
Once you’ve held a UFC belt — especially twice — the “champ” label sticks for life.
Is Zhang Weili Still a Top Fighter?
Absolutely. Even without the belt, she remains:
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A top contender
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A pound-for-pound ranked athlete
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One of the most complete fighters in the UFC
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A consistent main-event attraction
Her cardio, power, and technical skills make her a threat to any opponent in both the Strawweight and Flyweight divisions.
What This Means for Her Future
Zhang Weili’s championship story is far from over. In fact, vacating her belt may be the start of her biggest chapter yet.
Here’s what could happen next:
1. She Becomes a 2-Division Champion
If she wins in her new division, she joins MMA royalty.
2. She Returns to Strawweight Later
Some fighters move between divisions. She could come back and challenge for her old belt anytime.
3. She Extends Her Legacy With Superfights
Big-name matchups open up when fighters switch divisions — Zhang now has more options than ever.
Final Thoughts
So, is Zhang Weili champ right now?
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No, she is not the current strawweight champion — she vacated the belt.
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But she is a former two-time UFC champion.
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And she is actively fighting to become champion again in a new division.
Her career is still climbing, not slowing down. Whether she wins another belt or not, Zhang Weili remains one of the greatest female fighters the UFC has ever seen — and her next fight could put her back on top of the world.
