Take a closer look at Zhang Weili’s training camp and potential as she prepares to defend her UFC strawweight title. Learn about her gym, coaches, teammates, and the belief that she hasn’t unlocked her full capabilities yet.
| Zhang Weili’s Training Journey |
|---|
| Zhang Weili’s path to MMA |
| Gym, coach, and teammates |
| Teammates and influences |
| Unlocking her full potential |
| A bright future |
| Predictions |
Zhang Weili, the UFC strawweight champion, is gearing up to defend her title against Yan Xiaonan. Before the fight, let’s take a closer look at Zhang Weili’s training camp and potential. From her journey in MMA to her gym, coaches, teammates, and the belief that she hasn’t unlocked her full potential yet, this article covers it all. Get ready for an exciting showdown at UFC 300!
Zhang Weili’s Training Journey
UFC strawweight champion Zhang Weili is set to defend her title for the third time against fellow Chinese fighter Yan Xiaonan at UFC 300. But before we dive into the historic event, let’s take a closer look at the training camp of this formidable strawweight star.
Zhang Weili’s path to MMA
Zhang Weili’s journey in mixed martial arts began after she took jiu-jitsu lessons while working as a fitness instructor. Inspired by the fighters she encountered at the gym, she joined the Black Tiger Fight Club, where she received her first MMA training. Her idol, Wu Haotian, a pioneer of Chinese MMA, introduced her to the club.
Gym, coach, and teammates
At the Black Tiger Fight Club, Zhang Weili’s head coach became Xuejun Cai, who later became her agent. She also trained under Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach Pedro Jordao and occasionally at Bangtao Muay Thai and MMA. Additionally, she had the opportunity to train with John Wood of Syndicate MMA.
Teammates and influences
Zhang Weili’s teammates include notable fighters from China, such as Wu Haotian, Shaoxiang Wang, and Shuai Zhang. Although not a teammate, she also trained with former double champion Henry Cejudo for her UFC 268 fight. The experience helped her enhance her wrestling techniques, distance control, mind game, and mental toughness.
Unlocking her full potential
Despite being one of the top female MMA fighters globally, Zhang Weili’s coach, John Wood, believes that she has yet to unlock her full potential. In an episode of the ‘UFC 292 Embedded: Vlog Series,’ Wood expressed his belief that Zhang Weili is currently operating at only 60 to 70 percent of her capabilities. He emphasized that she is built to be a champion and will continue to improve with more experience.
A bright future
According to Wood, Zhang Weili’s continuous growth and improvement spell trouble for her opponents and the strawweight division. As she gains more experience, she will only become more formidable. With a 3-fight winning streak heading into UFC 300, Zhang Weili is poised to solidify her status as the strawweight champion.
Predictions
Who will emerge victorious in the Zhang Weili vs. Yan Xiaonan fight? Share your predictions in the comments section below!
