30-year-old doctor-turned-mixed martial artist Shi Ming triumphed at UFC Fight Night 248 last weekend in Macau, knocking out competitor Xiaocun Feng in the third round with a brutal head kick. With her victory, Shi became the strawweight tournament winner of this first “Road to UFC” event.

The win caps an impressive year for Shi, who has made a strong return from injury. Speaking with RADII for Way of the Warrior two years ago, she was still undergoing rehabilitation for a knee injury. At the time, she spoke of being inspired by watching fellow Chinese competitor Zhang Weili fight Rose Namajunas. Two years later, Shi’s stunning KO performance has earned praise from Zhang herself, marking her progress as a fighter.

Coming in at 5’3” (160 cm), Shi’s background as a medical doctor — with a specialization in acupuncture on top of that — sets her apart within the world of UFC. Reflecting her dual identity as a fighter and a medical professional who graduated from Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shi admitted feeling worried about her opponent Feng’s injuries. Seeing Feng remain on the ground for over 10 seconds, Shi expressed her hope for a quick recovery. “My compassion is my weakness,” she confessed, adding, “A warrior should always give their all in a fight.”

This striking contrast in her character has captivated fans, who in China affectionately call her “Doctor Shi.” This most recent bout, she also earned the English nickname ”Doctor Sleep” from commentator Michael Bisping.

Shi’s path has not been without challenges. Her family still believes she participates in traditional martial arts matches, which are more closely tied to Chinese culture and perceived as less violent than UFC. Despite this, Shi remains steadfast in pursuing her dream, hoping to reach even bigger UFC fights. After retirement, Shi aims to use her medical skills to support althetes’ recovery and rehabilitation.

Shi also aims to elevate the status of mixed martial arts and promote greater awareness of sport in China. “One day, I hope to fight not just in the octagon, but also against the stigmatization of MMA,” Shi said. Her determination as both a fighter and doctor continues to inspire fans and challenge perceptions both in China and abroad.

Banner photo via Xinhua Net.