Zhang Weili will defend her strawweight title for the record sixth time at UFC 312, with a chance to equal Joanna Jedrzejczyk‘s title fight win record. Taking on an undefeated Tatiana Suarez, it’s surely not an easy challenge, but there’s a lot to gain since she can strengthen her legacy in the strawweight division even more if she wins this weekend.
The frost Chinese and Asian UFC champion has had a pretty fast rise in the promotion since debuting in 2018. She already had a great run prior to making it to Dana White‘s promotion, and during that time, she earned herself her own fan base and a moniker that suits Weili as well – ‘Magnum’. Let’s uncover the origin of that nickname.
Why is Zhang Weili called ‘Magnum’?
Weili’s early career saw her use her sharp striking while being able to control the distance with her excellent agility, and understanding of range to great effect. Her willingness to get into a firefight, especially early on in her career, and dedication to the sport have seen her become one of the most successful female fighters in UFC history already. Currently ranked #2 on the women’s pound-for-pound list, she is considered one of the top fighters in the world, and that’s how she got her nickname.
Although it’s not a confirmed fact, the strawweight champion’s nickname is believed to be a word that describes her high-octane fighting style. But the exact reason and story behind it is unknown. Having suffered setbacks before MMA career to becoming one of the best, the ‘Magnum’ moniker has now become pretty synonymous with the Chinese native.
While we’ve established a bit about her nickname, did you know that there is a bit of a twist in Zhang Weili’s real name? Here’s what we know.
Is Zhang Weili’s name backward?
There have several discussions online about the unusual way Zhang Weili’s name is pronounced, which consumes most Western MMA fans. Well, some people may not be aware that in certain countries of Asia, which also includes her native country of China, a person’s family name always comes first while their given name comes second.
In the same way, fellow Chinese strawweight fighter Yan Xiaonan also has her family name first and then her given name. Meanwhile, both of these fighters are happy to have their family name first because as much success as they garner inside the Octagon, it also elevates their family name as well.
Well, Zhang Weili has certainly lived up to her family’s expectations and more given that she’s a 2-time UFC champion and the first from her nation to do it. But can she walk out of Qudos Bank Arena this weekend ‘and still’ the champion? Well, that remains to be seen.
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