UFC 300‘s co-main event presents the Women’s strawweight title bout featuring Zhang Weili defending her championship against Yan Xiaonan. This fight marks a historic event as it is the first UFC title match featuring two Chinese fighters.
Zhang Weili Out Grapples Yan Ziaonan at UFC 300
Zhang Weili, known as “Magnum,” comes into this fight with a strong record of 24 wins and 3 losses. Weili is recognized for her powerful striking ability, landing an average of 5.94 significant strikes per minute with a 51% accuracy rate. Additionally, her grappling skills are not to be overlooked, with an average of 2.29 takedowns per 15 minutes. Weili’s fighting style is adaptable, as she utilizes her switch stance to keep her opponents off guard and striking when they are vulnerable. Weili is one of the most exciting female fighters in history, as proven by her fight of the year win against Joanna Jędrzejczyk in 2020. She looks to put on another improved but similar performance against her fellow country-woman in Xiaonan.
Yan Xiaonan
On the other side, Yan Xiaonan holds a record of 18 wins, 3 losses, and 1 no contest. Xiaonan also shines with her striking, delivering about 5.55 significant strikes per minute at a 44% accuracy. She also boasts a robust defence, with a particularly impressive 70% takedown defence rate. Her orthodox fighting stance and strategic approach to matches, focusing on endurance and pacing, make her a formidable challenger for the Strawweight title. Her recent KO win over former title holder Jessica Andrade secures her this spot in the Co-Main event on one of the biggest cards in the company’s history.
Fight Analysis
The matchup between Zhang and Yan is expected to be intensely competitive due to their striking abilities and tactical prowess. Zhang’s aggressive style paired with her versatility in striking and grappling might give her an edge in controlling the pace and style of the fight. However, Yan’s defensive skills and her ability to maintain a high output over time could allow her to withstand Zhang’s onslaught and potentially outlast her in later rounds. This bout not only highlights the skills and tenacity of both fighters but also represents a significant moment in female MMA history, with both Chinese fighters having the opportunity to showcase their talents on one of the biggest cards in the history of the sport.
What Happened
Round 1 was a hectic round Yan having success on the feet but Weili having success in the grappling. Towards the end of round 1 Weili managed to take Yan’s back and had a rear-naked choke sunk. When the round ended Yan was barely conscious with Weili essentially briefly putting her out as the round ended. Yan then stumbled to her corner. Round 2 also demonstrated Weili’s prowess in grappling and ground and pound. The fight arguably could have been stopped multiple times this round with Xiaonan being unresponsive to the ground and pound. But Yan survived and prior to being taken to the ground was having success with straight shots. Round 3 was Yan’s best round landing her jab and right hand consistently. Yan also dropped Weili twice that round putting a seemingly gassed Weili under pressure.
Round 4’s opening also demonstrated Yan’s striking continuously landing her 1-2s. But, Weili demonstrated her grappling superiority taking the fight to the ground. Round 5 also showed Weili’s grappling skill dominating Yan throughout round 5 and majority of round 4. Weili was awarded a well earned unanimous decision and tied Joanna Jędrzejczyk for straweight title defences.
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Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
