UFC Strawweight Champion Zhang Weili is venturing into the entertainment world, set to appear on both television and in movies.
Her life story, reflecting her status as a major star and influential figure in her home country of China, is being developed into a new drama series. The untitled project received approval from iQiYi, China`s largest streaming service, with the announcement made during the Beijing International Film Festival. Production is anticipated to begin soon.
Besides the forthcoming TV series based on her life, the 35-year-old fighter will also make her feature film debut. She has secured a featured role in the upcoming movie “After Typhoon,” directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Li Yu.
This art-house drama casts Zhang as Ah Xi, a character with a tragic background whose life changes dramatically after encountering a young stranger on an island threatened by a storm.
Despite maintaining a demanding schedule focused on her fight career, Zhang revealed she hadn`t previously considered acting until she met director Li Yu and read the script for “After Typhoon,” which prompted her to think about taking on the role.
Zhang admitted she had “never considered acting at all” before this opportunity arose. She initially hesitated because the project was not an action or fight film but an “emotional” drama, a significant departure from her usual world of fighting. However, she explained that the more she contemplated it, the more she found the idea of tackling this new challenge appealing.
Interestingly, she received the script for the film while preparing for her title defense against Yan Xiaonan at the landmark UFC 300 event. While an acting debut could potentially distract a fighter preparing for a major bout, Zhang stated that focusing on something unrelated to fighting actually helped her during that time.
She elaborated that discussing the script allowed her to “relax” and step away from the constant tactical discussions usually surrounding fight preparation. This unique diversion proved to be a very interesting experience for her.
Zhang successfully defended her title against Yan at UFC 300. More recently, she also secured an impressive victory over previously undefeated challenger Tatiana Suarez at UFC 312.
Currently, Zhang does not have her next fight booked. However, rumors suggest she might consider moving up to the flyweight division to challenge the winner of the upcoming UFC 315 co-main event between Valentina Shevchenko and Manon Fiorot.
While fighting remains her primary focus, Zhang acknowledged that she enjoyed her first experience in feature films and is now open to future acting opportunities.
Zhang concluded by saying, “My focus is back on training now… But I think if a good role came along, whether it`s action or drama, I think now I`d take it.”
