Zhang Weili, the UFC women’s strawweight champion, is stepping out of the cage and onto the big screen. On March 28, 2025, she gave fans a sneak peek of her first movie role by posting a short video clip from After Typhoon on her social media. The film, set to release in China on April 4, 2025, marks a huge moment for the fighter known as “Magnum.” Already a powerhouse in the UFC, she’s now showing the world she’s got talent beyond throwing punches and takedowns.
The clip Zhang shared has her in action, but not the kind fans are used to. Instead of fighting, she’s acting in a dramatic scene that’s got everyone talking. After Typhoon tells the story of two girls dealing with tough times on a beautiful island after a big storm. One girl, Lin Momo, is recovering from a traumatic assault, while the other, Ah Xi, stopped speaking after her mom’s suicide. Zhang’s role looks serious and deep, proving she can hold her own with a cast of well-known Chinese actresses.
Zhang’s been on a roll in the UFC. She defended her title against Tatiana Suarez at UFC 312 in February 2025, winning by unanimous decision in a five-round battle in Sydney, Australia. That victory marked her fourth successful title defense across two reigns as champ, adding to her record of 26 wins and 3 losses. Now, with After Typhoon, she’s taking on a new challenge. The movie’s release is just days away, and her fans in China and beyond can’t wait to see their champ in a fresh spotlight.
From Fight Camp to Film Set
This isn’t Zhang’s first time branching out. She’s already a big name with brands like Estée Lauder and Under Armour, and she’s popped up in commercials for Audi and others. But acting in After Typhoon is her biggest leap yet. The film drops right after her latest UFC win, showing she’s not slowing down in or out of the cage. Filming likely happened between her intense training camps, where she splits time between Thailand’s Bangtao Muay Thai gym and Arizona’s Fight Ready team with coach Henry Cejudo.
Zhang’s journey to this point is wild. Born in Handan, China, she started with kung fu at age six, inspired by movies. She turned pro in MMA in 2013 and became the first Chinese UFC champ in 2019 by knocking out Jessica Andrade. After losing the belt to Rose Namajunas in 2021, she fought back to reclaim it in 2022 against Carla Esparza. Her latest win over Suarez has some calling her the best strawweight ever. Adding a movie role to that resume? That’s next-level stuff. After Typhoon hits theaters soon, and whether she’s fighting or acting, Zhang’s proving she’s a star worth watching.
