2. A Nation in Focus
In the co-headliner of UFC 300, evidence of the growth of the sport of MMA worldwide will be on display.
Undisputed strawweight champion Zhang Weili will enter the cage arguably in the best moment of her career, standing head and shoulders above much of the field following stoppages of former champions Joanna Jędrzejczyk, Carla Esparza, and a decision over top contender Amanda Lemos.
Opposing her, her countrywoman Yan Xiaonan who enters the bout riding dominant victories over Mackenzie Dern and Jessica Andrade. The run has been impressive considering she bounced back to look more dangerous than ever after her 13 fight win-streak going back to her time before the UFC was snapped. While Zhang has seven more professional fights (and victories) on her record, Xiaonan is virtually identical to her in terms of age, height, and reach.
The UFC has long been building the sport in Asia, with recent development coming in the form of the Road to UFC events that take place overnight in the United States to accommodate fans in Asia who are watching live. To now have two women be in the co-headliner of MMA’s biggest event, in a deservedly high profile title fight, is a fitting testament to the growth of the sport.
