Zhang ‘Magnum’ Weili isn’t just a fighter—she’s a force of nature. From her early days in Handan, Hebei, to becoming China’s first UFC champion, she has carved out a legacy defined by resilience, skill, and an unwavering drive to improve. Inside the Octagon, she’s known for her explosive power and razor-sharp technique. But outside of it, another battle has quietly taken shape—the fight to master a new language.
As Zhang continues to defend her strawweight throne, fans around the world have begun to notice something else: her growing confidence in speaking English. It’s no small feat, especially for a fighter balancing grueling training camps with media obligations. So, how many languages does the strawweight queen actually speak?
Zhang Weili’s languages
Zhang Weili is a proud representative of Chinese MMA, and her native language is Mandarin. Whether she was addressing fans, conducting interviews, or sharing insights about the sport’s rapid growth in China, she did so in her first language.
Over the years, Zhang relied on translators for media interactions, particularly in the early days of her UFC career. In fact, when journalist Helen Yee interviewed her ahead of a major fight at UFC Boston, the entire conversation was conducted in Mandarin.
It was clear that at the time, English was not a language Zhang felt comfortable speaking publicly. But that didn’t stop her from trying. Zhang Weili has always been known for her relentless work ethic, and her approach to learning languages is no different. As she climbed the ranks of the UFC, she recognized the importance of connecting with a global audience.
In fact, in a conversation with UFC.com, she shared, “I have seen the sport growing exponentially in China, There is a lot of new gyms, a lot of young generations from different disciplines joining (like) from sanda or wrestling. I firmly believe that MMA is going to grow very fast in China and have a really bright future.”
And so, just like she honed her striking and grappling, she began sharpening her English skills—one word at a time.
Can Zhang speak English?
Zhang Weili’s determination to learn English quickly became evident. A Reddit video from four years ago showcased her delivering a speech in English on Chinese television. What made it even more impressive? She had only been studying the language for about a year at that point! The speech, which lasted over ten minutes, was a testament to her discipline.
Fast-forward to UFC Vegas 65, and Zhang was answering press conference questions in English. She wasn’t just memorizing rehearsed phrases; she was engaging, responding naturally, and showing real progress in her fluency.
In fact, at the recent UFC 312 media day, Zhang was asked whether it’s been a “personal goal” of hers to do more media and use English as her primary form of communication. Without missing a beat, Zhang responded by stating, “I think life is learning. I need to learn, learn, learn, and do my best.”
So does that mean there’s no more need for translators? Not quite yet as the champion confessed, “Maybe next year.” Before jokingly ‘firing’ the translator and bursting into laughter.
From delivering a speech in English on Chinese television to answering media questions confidently at UFC events, Zhang’s linguistic journey is just another example of her relentless spirit. Now, at UFC 312, she’ll be taking on the undefeated wrestling phenom, Tatiana Suarez. This will be her third defense in her second title reign. So, could we see a post-fight speech in English if she wins? What do you think? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
The post Which Languages Does Zhang Weili Speak? Does She Know English? appeared first on EssentiallySports.
