In the summer of 2017, the UFC made a historic move. It was one that many within the industry missed, but would prove to be a strategic step in the organization’s push into Asian markets. The industry-leader signed multi-time Sanda and Muay Thai champion Yan Xiaonan, making her the first Chinese woman to compete under the UFC banner. Xiaonan would go on to win her first three appearances for the promotion, competing solely in Asia. A more high-profile signing would soon follow.
While the UFC has picked up several women from the Asian continent, the biggest signing came in 2018 when they acquired former two-division Kunlun Fight champion, Weili Zhang.