In a landmark moment for mixed martial arts, Zhang Weili successfully defended her Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) strawweight title against fellow Chinese contender Yan Xiaonan at UFC 300 on Saturday night. The bout, held at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada, marked the first time two Chinese fighters faced off in a UFC title match.
The highly anticipated showdown did not disappoint, delivering five intense rounds of action. Zhang, known for her formidable ground game, secured a unanimous decision victory with scores of 49-45. Yan, who boasted eight knockout wins in her previous 17 fights, showcased her striking prowess by aggressively engaging Zhang and managing to knock her down several times.
Despite facing fierce stand-up attacks, Zhang demonstrated resilience and tactical skill. She capitalized on opportunities to take Yan to the ground, posing a significant threat with her grappling. However, as the fight progressed, fatigue became a factor for Zhang, allowing Yan to escape several ground exchanges in the later rounds.
The victory adds to Zhang’s impressive record, marking her fifth win in UFC title bouts. This achievement places her second in the all-time rankings for women’s strawweight fighters, trailing only Poland’s Hall of Fame inductee Joanna Jedrzejczyk.
After the fight, Zhang expressed profound respect for her opponent. “Yan is a true warrior and incredibly resilient,” she remarked. “I respect her very much and hope we can become friends after this fight.”
This historic match not only highlights the rise of Chinese athletes in the global MMA scene but also underscores the growing international prominence of Asian fighters in the UFC. The all-Chinese title bout is a testament to the depth of talent emerging from the region and promises to inspire future athletes across Asia.
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Zhang Weili defends UFC strawweight belt in Chinese derby at UFC 300
cgtn.com
