1. Tatiana Suarez
Tatiana Suarez is widely regarded as the most dominant wrestler in the strawweight division. With a flawless record of 10-0, Suarez’s grappling and submission skills present a unique challenge for Xiaonan. Currently ranked #1 in the strawweight division, Suarez is on the cusp of a title shot, but a matchup against Xiaonan could serve as a title eliminator. Suarez’s recent victory over Jéssica Andrade via guillotine choke at UFC Nashville showcased her ability to finish fights, making this clash a compelling striker-versus-grappler matchup.
Recent Fights:
* Win: Jéssica Andrade, Submission (Guillotine), UFC Nashville
* Win: Montana De La Rosa, Submission (Guillotine), UFC Fight Night: Muniz vs. Allen
* Win: Nina Ansaroff, Decision (Unanimous), UFC 238
* Win: Carla Esparza, TKO (Punches), UFC 228
* Win: Alexa Grasso, Submission (Rear-Naked Choke), UFC Fight Night: Maia vs. Usman
2. Virna Jandiroba
Virna Jandiroba’s submission game is one of the most dangerous in the strawweight division. With 14 of her 21 wins coming by submission, the former Invicta champion has proven her mettle against high-level opponents. Ranked #3, Jandiroba is coming off a Performance of the Night armbar victory over Amanda Lemos at UFC on ESPN. A matchup against Xiaonan would test Jandiroba’s ability to handle a precise striker while allowing Xiaonan to prove her grappling defense against a submission ace.
Recent Fights:
* Win: Amanda Lemos, Submission (Armbar), UFC on ESPN
* Win: Loopy Godinez, Decision (Unanimous), UFC on ESPN
* Win: Marina Rodriguez, Decision (Unanimous), UFC 288
* Win: Angela Hill, Decision (Unanimous), UFC on ESPN
* Loss: Amanda Ribas, Decision (Unanimous), UFC 267
3. Gillian Robertson
Currently ranked #12, Gillian Robertson has been making waves in the strawweight division with her evolving striking and lethal submission arsenal. Coming off a unanimous decision victory over Luana Pinheiro at UFC Fight Night, Robertson is a dark horse in the division. A fight against Xiaonan would provide her with the opportunity to climb the rankings quickly, while Xiaonan could use this fight to further solidify her case for a title shot.
Recent Fights:
* Win: Luana Pinheiro, Decision (Unanimous), UFC Fight Night
* Win: Michelle Waterson-Gomez, Decision (Unanimous), UFC 303
* Win: Polyana Viana, TKO (Punches), UFC 297
* Loss: Tabatha Ricci, Decision (Unanimous), UFC on ABC
* Win: Piera Rodríguez, Submission (Armbar), UFC on ESPN
Each matchup brings its own intrigue. A fight with Suarez would be a high-stakes battle of styles, testing Xiaonan against a relentless wrestler. A bout with Jandiroba would challenge Xiaonan’s submission defense against a top-tier grappler. Meanwhile, a fight with Robertson could serve as a showcase bout, but Robertson’s well-rounded skills make her a dangerous opponent.
Who do you think should be next for Yan Xiaonan?
