Shi Ming, a registered doctor, made headlines for her medical expertise and her prowess in the UFC octagon. Her parents, however, were unaware of her dual career until her debut last year.
Shi Ming’s MMA Career Built on Discipline and Dreams
For most of her life, Ming walked a narrow line between expectation and ambition. Raised in a conservative Chinese household, she followed the traditional route—studying medicine, earning a doctorate, and establishing herself as a licensed physician. Beneath the white coat, another identity quietly took shape. While her parents believed she was involved in harmless martial arts demonstrations, Ming secretly trained for a professional MMA career.
This secret culminated dramatically at UFC Fight Night 248 in Macau, where she stepped into the strawweight cage against Xiaocan Feng. In the final round, she delivered a thunderous head kick that left Feng unconscious and needing immediate medical attention. The crowd was stunned. So were her parents.
That moment forced Ming’s two worlds to collide. Following that knockout, Ming didn’t just win a fight—she made history. She became the first “Road to UFC” strawweight tournament champion and earned a full UFC contract. The promotion also awarded her a $50,000 bonus for Performance of the Night, further cementing her place among rising MMA stars. Known now by the nickname “Dr. Sleep,” a nod to both her medical degree and her knockout power, Ming balances two high-pressure careers.
While most fighters focus solely on training and recovery, she continues to work full-time in a hospital, specializing in acupuncture and sports therapy. “My patients don’t always know I fight,” she said with a laugh. “But when they do, they’re shocked.”
Xiaocan Feng’s Medical Update After Scary KO
The aftermath of the KO was deeply concerning. Xiaocan lost consciousness and was unresponsive for nearly four minutes. Medical staff immediately rushed in and treated her inside the octagon, eventually stretchered her out as the crowd looked on in silence.
Fortunately, updates from UFC Macau’s broadcast offered reassurance.
Feng regained consciousness on the way to the hospital and was able to speak to her team. She reportedly experienced no neck damage, had use of her arms, and showed no signs of dizziness or severe trauma. A preliminary CT scan also looked promising.
Out of precaution, Feng Xiaocan will be transported to a nearby hospital after her defeat at #UFCMacau pic.twitter.com/SUJTenwwOg
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 23, 2024
With a pro record of 17 wins and five losses, including six submissions and one knockout, Ming stands as a symbol of determination and disruption.