Ex-women’s strawweight champ Jessica Andrade and Yan Xiaonan threw down at UFC 288 on Saturday, and while nothing was set in stone, a statement victory from either fighter could catapult them to the front of the line for a shot at champ Weili Zhang.
Somewhat surprisingly, Yan declined the glove touch, and instead went right to work. Thirty seconds in, she ripped a leg kick, landing with a sharp crack. Andrade took some big swings, while Yan stayed mobile, light on her feet and circling. The Chinese standout targeted the body, keeping Andrade guessing — but the Brazilian’s power was on display when she closed the distance and let rip with wide left and right hooks.
Yan, however, was answering back, and landing where Andrade was missing. Moments later, she landed clean enough to drop the former strawweight champ! Andrade was rushing in, throwing her hooks when Yan Xiaonan, retreating, fired a right hand over top of Andrade’s own punch. That connected, and Andrade hit the canvas. Yan got on top, finishing it off as the ref moved in for the save.
On cloud nine after a win like that! 🙌 #UFC288 pic.twitter.com/XHNl9Sany0
— UFC (@ufc) May 7, 2023
It was certainly not the finish many expected in the fight — the general consensus was, the power laid with Andrade, while Xiaonan would have the edge in volume. Which made the finish all the more impressive — perhaps enough so to land a title shot against countrywoman Zhang.
Official Result: Yan Xiaonan def. Jessica Andrade by TKO, Round 1, 2:20
