Rong Zhu

Rong Zhu (Chinese: ; born March 7, 2000) is a Chinese mixed martial artist who competes in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Background An ethnic Tibetan, Rong began practicing Sanda since the age of 12. After three years of training but underachieving, he had decided to switch sports; however, upon seeing MMA on TV, he instantly became attracted to the sport. Later, after being introduced by his uncle, Rong started training at Enbo Fight Club as an assistant and sparring partner for Su Mudaerji, where his duties included tasks such as carrying towels and water.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career Having his first pro fight just days after his 16th birthday in 2016, Rong compiled a 17–3 record on the Chinese regional scene, most off it with the promotion WLF, where he captured the Lightweight title and defended it three times.

Ultimate Fighting Championship Rong made his UFC debut against Kazula Vargas at UFC 261 on April 24, 2021. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

For his second fight in the UFC, Rong was initially scheduled to face Dakota Bush on September 18, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 192. However, Bush tested positive for COVID-19 during fight week and was replaced by Brandon Jenkins. At the weigh-ins, Rong weighed in at 158 pounds, two pounds over the lightweight non-title fight limit. The bout proceeded at a catchweight and he forfeited 20% of his purse to his opponent. He won the fight via technical knockout in round three.

Rong faced Ignacio Bahamondes at UFC Fight Night 202 on February 26, 2022. At the weigh-ins, Rong weighed in at 160 pounds, 4 pounds over the lightweight non-title fight limit. It was the second straight fight in which he had missed weight. His bout proceeded at a catchweight and he was fined 40% of his purse, which went to Bahamondes. He lost the bout via third round submission.

Post UFC In his first appearance post-release, Rong faced Felipe Maia on October 20, 2022, at UAE Warriors 34. He won the bout via TKO in the second round.

Rong entered the Road to UFC tournament and faced Hong Seong-chan in the Lightweight Quarter-final on May 28, 2023, at Road to UFC Season 2: Episode 3, defeating him via first round TKO stoppage.

In the Semifinals, Rong faced Kim Sang-wook on August 27, 2023, at Road to UFC Season 2: Episode 6, winning the bout via unanimous decision.

Rong was scheduled to face Shin Haraguchi on December 9, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 233. However, they were pulled from this event due to the change of location. The bout eventually took place on February 4, 2024, at the UFC Apex. Rong won the fight via a rear-naked choke submission in the third round to become the Road to UFC 2 Lightweight champion.

Return to the UFC Rong faced Chris Padilla on September 7, 2024 at UFC Fight Night 242. He lost the fight by technical knockout via doctor stoppage as a result of an elbow to the eye in the second round.

Rong faced Kody Steele via unanimous decision on February 9, 2025 at UFC 312. He won the fight by unanimous decision. This fight earned him a Fight of the Night award.

Rong faced former LFA Lightweight Champion Austin Hubbard on August 23, 2025 at UFC Fight Night 257. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Rong was scheduled to face Quillan Salkilld on February 1, 2026 at UFC 325. However, Rong pulled out for unknown reasons and was replaced by Jamie Mullarkey.

Rong faced Victor Martinez on May 28, 2026 in the featured UFC bout at Road to UFC Season 5: Day 1. At the weigh-ins, Martinez weighed in at 158 pounds, two pounds over the weight non-title fight limit. The bout proceeded at catchweight and it is unclear what percent of his purse went to Rong. He won the fight by technical knockout in the first round.

Championships and accomplishments Mixed martial arts Ultimate Fighting Championship Fight of the Night (One time)