Yan Xiaonan
Yan Xiaonan, ranked #2 in the strawweight division, is an experienced and dynamic striker. With 821 significant strikes landed (7th most in the division's history), Yan's pace and volume make her a formidable force. Her career highlights include a stunning first-round KO victory over Jéssica Andrade and a majority decision win against Mackenzie Dern. However, Yan comes off a tough unanimous decision loss to Zhang Weili at UFC 300, where she fell short in her quest for the championship. Despite this, her nine decision wins and ability to control fights over five rounds showcase her endurance and strategic approach.
Yan Xiaonan's Last Five Fights:
1. Loss vs. Zhang Weili - UFC 300 (April 13, 2024)
Result: Unanimous Decision (5 rounds)
Yan faced a dominant champion in Zhang, ultimately falling short in a bid for the strawweight title.
2. Win vs. Jéssica Andrade - UFC 288 (May 6, 2023)
Result: KO (Punches), Round 1, 2:20
Yan secured a massive first-round knockout against the former champion Andrade, earning a "Performance of the Night" award.
3. Win vs. Mackenzie Dern - UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Yan (October 1, 2022)
Result: Majority Decision (5 rounds)
In a back-and-forth affair, Yan held off the submission specialist Dern to secure a hard-fought decision.
4. Loss vs. Marina Rodriguez - UFC 272 (March 5, 2022)
Result: Split Decision (3 rounds)
Yan was outstruck and outpointed by Rodriguez in a closely contested fight, leading to a split decision loss.
5. Loss vs. Carla Esparza - UFC Fight Night: Font vs. Garbrandt (May 22, 2021)
Result: TKO (Punches), Round 2, 2:58
Esparza overwhelmed Yan in the second round, securing a TKO victory and ending Yan’s six-fight win streak.
Tabatha Ricci
Tabatha Ricci, ranked #10, is a rising talent with a well-rounded skill set. Known for her grappling prowess, "Baby Shark" has secured three submission wins and outworked her opponents in seven decision victories. Ricci enters this fight on a two-fight winning streak, with impressive decision victories over Angela Hill and Tecia Pennington. Her ability to dictate the fight's pace and dominate grappling exchanges makes her a dangerous matchup for anyone in the division.
Tabatha Ricci's Last Five Fights:
1. Win vs. Angela Hill - UFC on ESPN: Cannonier vs. Borralho (August 24, 2024)
Result: Unanimous Decision (3 rounds)
Ricci displayed her grappling control and clinch work to outpoint veteran Hill.
2. Win vs. Tecia Pennington - UFC on ESPN: Lewis vs. Nascimento (May 11, 2024)
Result: Split Decision (3 rounds)
A close fight, but Ricci’s takedowns and ground control earned her the win in a split decision.
3. Loss vs. Loopy Godinez - UFC 295 (November 11, 2023)
Result: Split Decision (3 rounds)
Ricci fell short against Godinez in a razor-close decision, with Godinez's striking edge proving decisive.
4. Win vs. Gillian Robertson - UFC on ABC: Emmett vs. Topuria (June 24, 2023)
Result: Unanimous Decision (3 rounds)
Ricci outworked Robertson with her striking and grappling, claiming a solid decision victory.
5. Win vs. Jessica Penne - UFC 285 (March 4, 2023)
Result: Submission (Armbar), Round 2, 2:14
Ricci dominated Penne on the ground, securing an armbar submission in the second round.
Fight Breakdown
Yan Xiaonan's striking is her greatest strength, combining high output and precision, particularly in head strikes. She will aim to keep the fight standing and use her reach to outpoint Ricci. Conversely, Ricci will look to close the distance, utilizing her grappling and clinch control to neutralize Yan's striking and potentially secure a submission.
Ricci's key challenge will be Yan's ability to avoid takedowns (70% takedown defense rate), while Yan must be cautious not to overcommit and end up on the mat against a dangerous submission artist.
Prediction
This fight represents a classic striker vs. grappler matchup. While Ricci's improving striking complements her elite ground game, Yan's experience, striking accuracy, and composure in high-level bouts give her the edge. Expect Yan to use her movement and volume to frustrate Ricci, maintaining distance to prevent takedowns. A decision victory for Yan Xiaonan appears likely, but Ricci’s submission threat ensures she remains a dangerous underdog.
Prediction: Yan Xiaonan by unanimous decision.
