Zhang Weili, the UFC strawweight champion from China, is expanding her career by having her life story adapted into a drama series and making her acting debut in the film “After Typhoon,” while continuing to focus on her fighting career.
Zhang Weili is making waves beyond the octagon, stepping into both the big and small screen arenas. The UFC strawweight champion, a towering figure in China, is having her life story turned into a drama series. This untitled project has been greenlit by iQiYi, China’s largest streaming platform. Production’s set to kick off soon, as announced at the Beijing International Film Festival.
The Hollywood Reporter broke this exciting news on Wednesday. But that’s not all—Zhang’s also diving into acting with a role in an upcoming film titled After Typhoon. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Li Yu, the art-house drama casts Zhang as Ah Xi. Ah Xi is a woman with a tragic past whose world shifts after meeting a young stranger on an island threatened by storms.
Interestingly, Zhang never saw herself as an actress until she met Li and read the script. “Not at all. Never [considered acting],” she confessed to The Hollywood Reporter. The offer came out of nowhere, and initially, she resisted it. After all, it’s not a fight film but an emotional narrative—a stark contrast to her comfort zone.
Yet, the challenge intrigued her. “I am comfortable fighting – that is my world,” Zhang admitted. However, delving into drama was a new terrain altogether. Surprisingly, receiving the script coincided with her prep for a title defense against Yan Xiaonan at UFC 300.
One might think such a venture could distract her from training, but Zhang found it refreshing. “I think it was actually very helpful in terms of helping me to relax,” she noted. Discussing the script offered a welcome diversion from typical pre-fight routines.
Her focus paid off—Zhang triumphed over Yan at UFC 300 and later defeated Tatiana Suarez at UFC 312 with flair. Currently, Zhang’s schedule remains open, though rumors hint at a potential flyweight move to face the winner of UFC 315’s co-main event between Valentina Shevchenko and Manon Fiorot.
Despite fighting being her main gig, Zhang enjoyed her film debut experience and is open to future roles. “My focus is back on training now,” she said. But who knows what lies ahead? If a compelling role pops up—be it action or drama—she’s game to seize it.