What Is Weili Zhang’s Next Career Move, Really?

It is perhaps telling that Dern’s first title defense will reportedly be against Gillian Robertson at UFC 330. Two things can be gleaned from this: 1) The UFC wants to legitimize Dern’s reign, and 2) Zhang will have to earn a shot in her first fight back at 115.

Luckily, one name makes sense: Virna Jandiroba. Coming off a win against Tabatha Ricci, Jandiroba has yet to face Zhang despite all the signs that have pointed towards it happening. If “Magnum” wants a quick path back to the title, this is the fight to make.

2) Stay At Flyweight

On the other hand, Zhang may be tired of cutting much weight to hit 115, especially at almost 37 years of age. The problem is, Valentina Shevchenko all but snuffed any notions of competitiveness when they fought.

Still, all hope is not gone. Shevchenko herself is already 38, and she may not be in the sport any longer. Her next challenger, Natalia Silva, has the length and striking to neutralize her ground game, so saying that Shevchenko’s reign will end there is not preposterous.

Zhang, however, is arguably a better mixed martial artist than Silva has ever been. Maybe a win or two at 125 will guarantee Zhang a shot in a post-Shevchenko world.

3) Retirement

Retirement is the so-called “nuclear option”.

Not many people may have realized it by now, but Zhang has become one of MMA’s richer fighters. Being Chinese has granted her a unique financial status that most fighters can only dream of. She has been an endorser for well-esteemed brands like Estee Lauder, Audi, and Under Armour, and she is the global face of health tech company Hyperice.

Perhaps Zhang is thinking, “Why risk my heath and legacy when I can comfortably work in an office?” Still, here is hoping that she stays on for one last fight or two.

End Of My Weili Zhang Rant

This weekend, the UFC lands in Macau.

Zhang may not be fighting, nor has she been confirmed to appear cageside. Nevertheless, her influence will be felt throughout the card, as multiple of her compatriots will be fighting. These include former ONE champion Jingnan Xiong, who will make her Octagon debut against Angela Hill.

Perhaps it is not too late to pit these legends against each other at some point…