Bridging UFC Brilliance and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Shi Ming’s rise in the MMA world began at college, where she joined her university's martial arts team and quickly honed her skills in Sanda—a Chinese combat sport blending kickboxing and wrestling. Her transition to mixed martial arts in 2017 marked a pivotal moment after she learned to incorporate wrestling techniques under the tutelage of renowned coach Bagher Amanolahi. This change propelled her from local competitions into the global arena, including a notable UFC tournament held in Macao, where her performance captivated audiences.

What truly sets Shi apart is her ability to manage two intense careers simultaneously. Despite beginning her days with early-morning hospital shifts as a devoted traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, she rigorously trains in the evenings for her MMA bouts. Her expertise in acupuncture and massage therapy not only aids her own recovery but also provides crucial support to her teammates, demonstrating how the principles of medicine and martial arts converge through discipline, empathy, and continuous learning.

Shi’s journey is also marked by an inner conflict about the nature of combat. While she desires to finish fights quickly, she remains mindful of her opponent’s well-being—a reflection of her medical background that emphasizes respect and understanding of pain. Inspired by trailblazing fighters like Zhang Weili and other celebrated Chinese athletes, she aspires to maintain humility and cultural pride, even dreaming of entering the cage in a traditional qipao to symbolize the strength and elegance of Chinese women in sports.