Shi Ming fell to a lopsided decision defeat in her official UFC debut on Friday in China.
The doctor-turned-fighter headlined the Road to UFC Season 4 finale, which saw one prospect suffer a gruesome facial injury as he tried to earn a contract from MMA’s premier promotion.
Zhang Weili was caught on camera offering Shi some words of encouragement backstage ahead of her strawweight bout against Bruna Brasil.
Unfortunately, the 115lb champion’s pep talk fell flat as her compatriot lost over three rounds.
Shi Ming loses in UFC debut
A massive size discrepancy immediately became apparent when Shi and Brasil entered the Octagon.
The 5ft 1in UFC newcomer was towered over by her Brazilian opponent, who won every round.
Brasil was awarded a 30-27 scorecard from all three of the cageside judges after shutting down her opponent.
Shi repeatedly tried to score takedowns, but never really threatened her rival in the grappling exchanges.
When she leaped in with striking attacks, Brasil made her pay with crisp, eye-catching counters.
At the end of the fight, it was Brasil who scored a takedown and looked like she might find a finish.
Ultimately, ‘The Special One’ ran out of time and had to settle for a decision win as she bounced back from a defeat at UFC 312.
Shi Ming hides MMA career from her parents
Shi Ming became the first Road to the UFC Season 3 champion with a brutal KO in November 2024.
Following the viral KO, it was revealed that the Chinese fighter is actually a doctor who keeps her violent side hustle a secret from her parents.
“I don’t think I’m going to mention it to them,” she said at the time.
“For my parents, they are traditional Chinese parents, and they worry about me.
“Only a doctor or a lawyer, I don’t have other choice.
“So, I’m going to fight UFC, but maybe every time I will go back home after I recover.”
