The UFC is the most popular fighting competition in the world, attracting the best and most skilled fighters from diverse backgrounds. Each competitor has a unique story that draws in fans, whether it is overcoming childhood struggles, pursuing unusual hobbies, or balancing side jobs alongside their careers.
One of the most fascinating stories belongs to Chinese fighter Shi Ming. By day, she heals patients as a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). By night, she showcases her striking ability inside the octagon as part of the UFC strawweight division.
From Traditional Chinese Medicine to the UFC
Shi Ming was born in 1994 in China’s Heilongjiang province. Inspired by her grandfather, who worked as a TCM doctor, she pursued medicine while also developing a passion for martial arts. She began training at the age of 13 and has continued to balance both careers ever since.
Today, she works as a full-time acupuncturist at the Kunming Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Yunnan province. Despite her demanding medical role, Ming also competes as a professional mixed martial artist. She trains at the Kunming Ong Bak Muay Thai Boxing and MMA Gym, where she hones her skills for high-level competition.
Her professional MMA journey began in 2015, and since then she has fought almost every year. Most of her bouts took place in China, South Korea, and Myanmar, where she built a loyal following. Her popularity grew even further when she started appearing on betting sites, especially after signing her first UFC contract in November 2024.
Shi Ming’s MMA and UFC Career
Ming made her professional debut in August 2015 at the Chinese MMA Super League, where she submitted Zhenyao Wang to earn her first victory. She went on to compete in Wu Lin Feng, World Kings Glory, and Heroine FC before earning her place on the Road to UFC in 2024.
After two wins in that series, Ming secured a $50,000 contract with the UFC. She made a strong impression by winning her debut against Xiaocan Feng, although she suffered her first setback in August 2025 with a unanimous decision loss to Bruna Brasil.
Since 2020, Ming has claimed 12 MMA championships across China, Myanmar, and South Korea. Her record now stands at 23 fights, with 17 wins and 6 losses. These include 2 knockout victories, 6 submission wins, and 4 first-round finishes, highlighting her versatility inside the cage.
A Doctor’s Approach to Fighting
In interviews following her UFC debut, Ming spoke about how her dual careers influence one another. She believes both medicine and martial arts require empathy, discipline, and lifelong learning. As a fighter, she studies her opponents’ motivations and respects them. As a doctor, she approaches her patients with curiosity and care to understand and relieve their pain.
Her medical knowledge has been invaluable in combat sports. She often uses her skills in massage and acupuncture to treat injuries for herself and her teammates. However, Ming admitted that being a doctor also makes her more cautious in the octagon. She has sometimes held back in fights out of concern for hurting her opponents, which has allowed some to recover and nearly turn the tide against her.
To overcome this, Ming explained that she works hard to adjust her mindset before each fight. She focuses on staying sharp, avoiding hesitation, and not overthinking. By finding this balance, she aims to bring the same professionalism to her fights as she does to her patients.
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