Las Vegas, NV — Without question, Chinese strawweight Yan Xiaonan is entering the biggest fight of her career this Saturday at UFC 300.
The only surprise, perhaps, is that the fight didn’t come in China, given Yan will challenge champ Weili Zhang for the title this weekend.
“This is my first title fight, versus Weili in Las Vegas. UFC 300. The location, timing, location, everything is perfect,” Yan (17-3, 1NC) told media outlets including Cageside Press during Wednesday’s UFC 300 media day.
And despite the UFC having briefly announced a show in Shanghai, China booked last year, Yan Xiaonan never got it in her head that she’d challenge for gold at home. She doesn’t build up important dates in her head like that.
“Actually I never locked my goal or upcoming fight on any location or date, or UFC 300. We just got here, good timing,” stated Yan, speaking via translator. “Perfect timing. We just made it happen.”
Weili Zhang is now in her second reign as UFC champion, and Yan recognizes her opponent’s accomplishments. “Weili’s a great fighter. Everyone of her fights, she showcased to everybody,” she noted. Of course, Xiaonan has her own impressive record, and is coming off wins over Jessica Andrade and Mackenzie Dern. “[I] also believe in myself,” she stated. “I’m also a good fighter, complete fighter. I think I will show you guys the best version of myself.”
The two compelling storylines ahead of UFC 300, when it comes to the women’s strawweight title fight, are the China vs. China nature of the bout, and the hunt for gold. Both matter to Yan, but clearly one even more so.
“Both China vs. China and the UFC title are important to me, but if you let me choose which one is more important— get the title.”
Last year, Yan had a chance to experience a different sort of training, care of the NFL’s L.A. Rams franchise.
Pre-practice jersey/glove swap with @UFC’s Xiaonan Yan. 🏈🤝🥊 pic.twitter.com/rlAMfkXAeM
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 6, 2023
“It’s super cool,” Yan told Cageside Press of that experience on Wednesday. “I never saw or participated in any American football training before.”
Watch the full UFC 300 media day appearance by Yan Xiaonan above.
