Las Vegas, NV – Weili Zhang came away from UFC 300 with a clear victory over fellow Chinese star Yan Xiaonan. In a sense, however, women’s strawweight champ Zhang won the fight twice.
At the end of the first round, Zhang had her countrywoman in a tight rear-naked choke. The ref would check on Yan, who appeared to still be with it — moments later, however, she seemingly went out. At the horn, Zhang pushed her off, which might have actually woken a clearly dazed Xiaonan up.
Weili Zhang addresses that scene during the UFC 300 post-fight press conference, with Cageside Press on hand.
“Yeah I really thought that she was out, and I did not know when the bell rang how the referee was going to hand that,” Zhang recalled. “But she bounced back very quickly in the second round.”
Yan might have been out of it for a bit, but made it through five rounds in the end. Zhang was likewise out of it, for different reasons, she revealed backstage at the T-Mobile Arena.
“I felt like I was in a dream. I blanked out during the fight,” Zhang admitted. “I didn’t know what I was doing.”
Zhang Weili def. Yan Xiaonan def. Unanimous Decision (49-45×3) #UFC300
Story coming to https://t.co/jL0SC6PTuP #UFC #MMA #ZhangWeili pic.twitter.com/H9koJZlDZZ
— Cageside Press (@Cagesidepress) April 14, 2024
The 34-year old later spoke about adding to her legacy as she continues her second reign as champ. “I definitely want to build my legacy. I feel like I’m still some ways [away] to become a legend. I still have a lot to learn.”
Watch the full UFC 300 post-fight press conference with Weili Zhang above.
