Shi Ming secured a UFC contract following one of the most talked-about finishes in the 2024 Road to UFC series, but her story extends beyond that notable victory. The Chinese Women’s Strawweight fighter is not only a competitive athlete but also a practicing physician, a diligent student of catch wrestling, and someone who has covertly balanced her MMA career with family expectations.
Quick Facts in 60 Seconds
- Shi Ming hails from Kunming, Yunnan, where she competes in the Women’s Strawweight division.
- Known as “The Doctor” due to her medical profession, she notes a personal preference for the nickname “Sister 13.”
- She triumphed in the Road to UFC Season 3 Women’s Strawweight tournament, earning her UFC contract in Macau.
- Her diverse martial arts training encompasses Taekwondo, sanda, Muay Thai, boxing, and catch wrestling.
- Shi Ming is set to face Puja Tomar on 29 May 2026 at Galaxy Arena in Macau.
Shi Ming’s Background
Shi Ming is born in Heilongjiang, China, but she grew up in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province. This distinction is vital in understanding her journey, as she is more than just another UFC contender; her narrative is deeply intertwined with her medical career, familial responsibilities, and the decision to pursue a sport that was often misunderstood by those around her.
Her grandfather, Yang Yihua, was a military veteran and traditional Chinese medicine doctor. Spending time in his clinic shaped her early understanding of pressure, injury, and responsibility, setting the stage for her combat career before she even entered MMA.
Journey into Combat Sports
Before embarking on her MMA journey, Shi was involved in several sports, including basketball and soccer, and earned a black belt in Taekwondo. Her martial arts experience provided a critical outlet during her demanding medical education.
Her introduction to MMA occurred while studying in Kunming, and despite initially finding the sport’s environment tough compared to boxing or kickboxing, she was drawn back by the intellectual challenges of striking and grappling. A significant moment came when she met Coach Bagher, an Iranian wrestling trainer whose technical focus on catch wrestling helped her refine her skills and overcome physical disadvantages.
Path to Professional MMA and UFC
Shi Ming’s MMA career comprises a long journey, showcased by her professional record of 17-6. Her early days were marked by struggles, including one win out of her first three fights. However, joining Bagher’s team led to marked improvement, culminating in winning 16 of her subsequent 19 fights. This narrative illustrates her evolution from a medical student to a UFC fighter.
She gained visibility through the Road to UFC platform, triumphing in the Women’s Strawweight tournament in 2024, securing her UFC contract in Macau after defeating her opponents decisively.
Significant UFC Achievements
Her most prominent UFC achievement occurred on 23 November 2024 at Galaxy Arena, where she knocked out Feng Xiaocan in the third round, earning a Performance of the Night bonus along with her contract. However, the aftermath of that fight brought mixed emotions, as Feng required medical assistance post-fight, leading Shi to express feelings of guilt—a reflection of her dual roles as a fighter and a doctor.
Shi faced challenges such as balancing her medical career with MMA training, evidenced by her preparations leading to her fight against Bruna Brasil, which resulted in a unanimous decision loss. This illustrates the unique and multifaceted life Shi leads, striving to manage her dual identity.
Life Beyond Fighting
Outside of the octagon, Shi Ming is a licensed doctor practicing both Western and traditional Chinese medicine in Kunming. Her responsibilities include various tasks in her medical role, which she manages alongside her fighting career. While fans know her popularly as “The Doctor,” she resonantly identifies with the name “Sister 13,” inspired by a character in a martial arts film, emphasizing her connection to the independence and strength derived from martial arts.
Shi Ming sees clear parallels between her roles in medicine and MMA, citing the shared need for knowledge and experiential learning. She continues to merge her medical insights with her athletic pursuits as she prepares for her next fight.
Current Status (As of May 2026)
As of May 2026, Shi Ming is set to compete against Puja Tomar on 29 May at Galaxy Arena in Macau, part of the Road to UFC: Macau Day 2, where she is highlighted as the season’s champion and an active UFC Strawweight contender.
Shi Ming’s MMA Record and Fighter Stats
- Name
- Shi Ming
- Nationality
- Chinese
- Weight Class
- Women’s Strawweight
- Date of Birth
- 14 November 1994 (Age 31)
- Height
- 5’2″
- Pro Record
- 17-6. 2 wins by KO, 6 wins by submission
- UFC Record
- 1-1. 1 win by KO
Recent Fight Record
| Date | Event | Opponent | Result | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22-Aug-25 | Road to UFC | Bruna Brasil | L | Unanimous Decision |
| 23-Nov-24 | UFC Fight Night | Xiaocan Feng | W | 3rd Round KO |
| 23-Aug-24 | Road to UFC | Huaxiang Dong | W | Split Decision |
| 18-May-24 | Road to UFC | Ye Dam Seo | W | Unanimous Decision |
| 16-Oct-22 | KIKFCF 5 | Qianru Luo | W | 1st Round Rear Naked Choke |
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