Zhang Weili (left) and Tatiana Suarez touch gloves to start their UFC Strawweight Championship fight during the UFC 312 event on February 9, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. Photo: VCG
China's MMA fighter Zhang Weili recently defended her UFC Strawweight title against top-ranked Tatiana Suarez from the US at UFC 312. In an exclusive interview with the Global Times on Thursday, Zhang likened herself to the character "Ne Zha" in China's most popular animated film, saying she refuses to be bound by fate and is determined to keep pushing herself to challenge the toughest of difficulties.
As for now, Zhang has successfully defended her title four times. Reflecting on her journey, the 35-year-old expressed no concerns about her age, believing she is still in her prime and ready for the next challenge.
"If I move up a weight class to challenge flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko, it would be an amazing fight," Zhang said. "Shevchenko is incredibly skilled, having defended her title multiple times with a wealth of experience and a well-rounded skill set. If the timing is right, this fight will definitely happen."
Iron willBefore the fight between Zhang and Suarez, Suarez boasted an undefeated record of 11-0, according to official UFC statistics. After the fight was announced in 2024, Suarez quickly garnered more support, with data showing that her perceived chances of victory outpaced Zhang's.
"Suarez was very determined, and I could feel her strong desire for victory," Zhang said after the fight.
"As for me, as a stubborn person, I want to challenge my opponent's strengths by pushing myself. The more you fear your opponent's strengths, the more it limits your own skills. So don't be afraid."
Zhang revealed that Suarez's wrestling was incredibly strong. She had been training since she was three years old, winning multiple World Championship titles and even qualifying for the Olympics.
"Wrestling is her strength, but it's also this strength that gave us the opportunity - we were able to turn her advantage against her," Zhang noted. "When I was taken down, I used my jiu-jitsu skills to counter and fight back."
Reflecting on the first round, Zhang recalled landing a right-hand punch on Suarez's forehead, which made Suarez dip her head and try to take her down.
Zhang quickly realized Suarez's wrestling was fast and powerful. Despite attempting to reverse the takedown, she was brought to the ground.
However, as she was taken down, Zhang remained calm.
"My mindset remained calm because my conditioning drills are far more exhausting than the fight itself," Zhang recalled. "Every week, I train with different people, and the intensity is nearly double that of an actual fight."
Zhang almost defeated Suarez using the latter's own strength. Suarez attempted 15 takedowns throughout the match, but Zhang successfully neutralized 14 of them according to a report by The Beijing News.
"If your mindset collapses, your strategy will fall apart," Zhang said.
"No matter how the situation unfolds, patience, focus, and confidence are the true keys to winning the fight."
Warm resilienceAfter the fight, Zhang turned to live streaming on her social media, feeling that this way of connecting with others was more direct, authentic, and approachable.
"Through live streaming, I hope fans can see that fighters are not just warriors in the ring," Zhang noted.
During one of her post-fight live sessions, Zhang shared an emotional encounter at the restaurant with Suarez and her family.
"When I ran into Suarez and her family at the restaurant, I felt a bit shy and didn't know how to greet them or offer any comfort," Zhang recalled. "But then I thought it over and decided I should just give her a hug."
"We're opponents in the octagon, but once we're off the stage, we're friends. I care deeply about Suarez's injury and I really hope she recovers quickly," she added.
For Zhang, this is a form of healthy competition - everyone is striving on the same stage, driven by a shared love for the sport that has brought them to where they are today.
This isn't the first time Zhang has shown her warm side. Recently, she had an emotional reunion with fellow MMA fighter Joanna Jedrzejczyk, with whom she has fought in the UFC octagon twice before.
Despite their intense battles in the ring, outside of it, the two have grown to be close friends. Before the fight, Jedrzejczyk took the time to reach out to Zhang, offering her words of encouragement.
Their mutual respect and camaraderie reflect the genuine bond they've developed over time.
Looking ahead, Zhang has also begun thinking about life beyond the octagon.
"In the future, I want to explore new challenges, like acting, surfing, and skiing - life isn't just about fighting in the ring," she shared.
According to Zhang, she hasn't been home for the Chinese New Year in two years due to her training schedule for upcoming fights. She plans to return home soon and focus on educational training and organizing events.
Zhang hopes to help more young people benefit from these opportunities, guiding them to avoid pitfalls and helping them grow through competition.
