On December 7, 2025, Weili Zhang announced on social media that she had earned her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt — the culmination of 13 years of dedicated training. The milestone stands as one of the most significant achievements in her martial arts journey outside of MMA competition, reflecting a long-term commitment to BJJ that ran in parallel with her rise to the highest levels of professional fighting.
In sharing the news, Zhang reflected on the personal and technical growth that jiu-jitsu had brought throughout her career, underscoring how the discipline shaped not only her grappling capabilities but also her character and competitive mindset. The 13-year timeline speaks to a sustained dedication that extended well beyond supplementary mat work — signaling a genuine, deep engagement with the art itself.
The promotion drew recognition from across the combat sports world, most notably from Mackenzie Dern, a UFC champion and accomplished BJJ black belt who publicly congratulated Zhang on the achievement. Dern's acknowledgment highlighted the respect Zhang's journey commanded within the broader BJJ community.