Former UFC strawweight champion Weili Zhang has reached a significant milestone in her martial arts journey and earned her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt after 13 years of dedicated training. The Chinese MMA star shared the moment on social media and reflected on the profound impact the discipline has had on her career and personal development.
“I’ve been practicing jiu-jitsu for 13 years since my first day. It’s truly a precious journey. Jiu-jitsu has taught me so much and helped me grow tremendously. Thank you to all my coaches, teammates and training partners. Thank you all.”
The promotion represents not only technical mastery but also a deeper commitment to the art. Zhang acknowledged the weight of this new responsibility. 
“I can’t believe I’ve earned my black belt. The meaning of the black belt is beyond words, full of depth, and comes with even more responsibilities.”
To maintain her grappling prowess during recent training camps, Zhang has worked with elite-level practitioners such as Josh Hinger. Her sessions with the Atos BJJ black belt show her ongoing dedication to continuous improvement even at the highest level of competition.
The announcement drew widespread congratulations from the MMA community. Fellow UFC champ Mackenzie Dern welcomed Zhang to the exclusive ranks.
“Congrats! Welcome to the black belt club!”
Zhang’s achievement highlights how modern mixed martial artists build world-class skills across multiple disciplines. As she continues her UFC career, the black belt stands as a testament to her commitment to mastering every aspect of her craft.
