In the co-main UFC 300 event, held at the T-Mobile Arena Las Vegas on Saturday, the women’s title strawweight was on the line. Champion Zhang Weili faced Yan Xiaonan in the first all Chinese title fight.
Weili defended her belt for the first time in his last fight, defeating Amanda Lemos via unanimous decision at UFC 292. Xiaonan entered the title bout coming off back-to-back wins over Mackenzie Dern and former champion Jessica Andrade.
Weili delivered a leg kick after a quick feeling-out process. Xiaonan answered with a left hand. Weili landed a kick to the leg and Xiaonan clinched. The two separated seconds later. Weili kicked the body. Xiaonan pressed on and walked straight into a right-handed strike. She took Weili to the ground by clinching. She allowed the champion to get back up. Xiaonan stepped up into the pocket, knocking Weili to the ground with a left hand. Weili immediately rose to her feet.
Weili spun her back fist and moved forward. She used her right hand to close the distance. Weili tossed Xiaonan on the canvas. She moved into side control. Weili rolled Xiaonan and took her back. She tried to choke Xiaonan with a rear-naked choking, but Xiaonan escaped. She staggered back to her feet and was out.
