Chinese mixed martial artist Zhang Weili became the first Chinese UFC champion after beating Brazilian fighter Jessica Andrade in less than a minute for the strawweight title.
Zhang, 30, also known as “Magnum,” rapidly won the match after defeating her opponent in just 42 seconds by a technical knockout (TKO) at the UFC Fight Night at Shenzhen Universiade Sports Centre in Shenzhen, China on Saturday.
Zhang’s win marks the second-fastest finish in the division’s history, according to CNN.
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“I am so happy for this moment! My name is Zhang Weili and I am from China! Remember me!” Zhang said.
Born in Hebei, China, Zhang hopes to inspire women around the world.
“I am very happy and have worked very hard to get this platform,” the former Kunlun Fight strawweight champion added. “And I hope that through my personality, I can inspire the next generation of young women to be strong and follow their dreams, not just in China, but all over the world.”
There is no official word on who Zhang will face next, but she is likely to fight American MMA fighter Tatiana Suarez, South China Morning Post reported.
UFC president Dana White wants her to appear in the U.S. on a pay-per-view match.
“I want her to fight in the United States. It’ll be a main event or a co-main event, she’ll be one of the top billings in the US,” White said.
Zhang is open to the idea if UFC will help her camp with their visa issues. She also added the UFC should also hold a pay-per-view match in China.
“I would like to get on a pay-per-view event, but also I want a pay-per-view event to be held In China, this is my wish,” Zhang said.
“If Dana wants me to fight in the US it will be fine, but please get all of my corners visas done because last time my coach didn’t come and several of my corner can’t come because the visa issue.”
Featured Image via Instagram / zhangweilimma (Left), Screenshot via YouTube / UFC – Ultimate Fighting Championship (Right)
