China's MMA star Zhang Weili Photo: IC

China's MMA star, former UFC strawweight world champion Zhang Weili fell short in her first attempt at the UFC flyweight world title, losing to reigning champion Valentina Shevchenko on Saturday.

Shevchenko won the bout by unanimous decision after five rounds at UFC 322 in New York, the US.

Despite the disappointing result, Zhang remained composed in the immediate aftermath of the fight and offered an emotional message to fans. Speaking on a live broadcast after the fight, Zhang said she had no regrets about her effort.

"I gave everything I had, and I'm very sorry I didn't win. I did my best, and although I didn't succeed today, I will continue to work hard and make myself even stronger," Zhang said. 

To challenge the flyweight title, Zhang had to vacate her strawweight world championship.

Zhang also expressed gratitude for her own perseverance.

"I want to thank one more person: myself, Zhang Weili. I feel I am someone who can get back up after falling, someone who doesn't give up. I am very grateful for my own efforts," she said.

Moving up from UFC strawweight to flyweight, Zhang jumped from the 115-pound limit to 125 pounds, taking on a 10-pound (4.5-kilogram) increase and a new level of challenge.

The 36-year-old previously told the Global Times that she treated the challenge bout as a fresh start for her career, following her dominant performances in the UFC strawweight division.

While Zhang viewed the move as a new chapter, her coaching team also said the decision embodied the spirit of constant growth, regardless of the outcome.

Zhang's coach Cai Xuejun said though she suffered the defeat, it was worth trying to exceed her limits, and insisted that Weili's defeat is nothing to be ashamed of. 

"Losing a fight doesn't make her less of a fighter," Cai told Migu TV. 

"What matters most is that she had the courage to step out of her comfort zone, to challenge herself by moving up from the strawweight division. That willingness to test her limits shows the right mindset for an elite athlete," he argued.

He added that Zhang had been very comfortable at strawweight but chose to push herself because she understood her strengths and sought to exceed her limits.

Beyond her team's assessment, outside experts also highlighted the technical and physical challenges Zhang faced in the new weight class.

Zhu Meng, a Beijing-based sports commentator, noted to the Global Times that the gap at flyweight from Zhang's original strawweight division was evident on fight night. 

"She wasn't able to 'be water' this time. Instead, she was drawn into her opponent's rhythm and control," he told the Global Times. "If she wants to push further in the flyweight, she'll need a deeper understanding of the weight division."

He pointed out that nearly half of the bout was spent battling on the ground, yet Zhang maintained her form throughout five hard rounds. 

"Finishing five rounds without her technique collapsing, and being able to speak afterward without even catching her breath, that alone reflects the quality of her training."

But Zhu noted that Zhang's mind-set remains her greatest asset. 

"As she said before the fight, moving up was simply about testing her limits, reaching for something higher. The act of challenging herself already carries value," Zhu said.

A documentary titled Unstoppable, which depicts Zhang's UFC career, also hit cinema screens across China on Sunday.