Virna Jandiroba knows who she wants next to solidify her case for a UFC strawweight title shot.
Jandiroba (21-3 MMA, 7-3 UFC) was not chosen to be the next challenger for Zhang Weili’s title, despite winning four straight fights. At UFC 312 in February, Weili will instead face Tatiana Suarez at UFC 312, who withdrew from a fight at UFC 310 against Jandiroba.
Wednesday, Jandiroba made a public call out for her next potential opponent, and her eyes are set on former title challenger Yan Xiaonan.
“Hey, Yan!! While Weili Zhang and Tatiana Suarez are busy, I think we should have some fun together into the cage,” Jandiroba wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “What do you think?”
Hey, Yan!! @yanxiaonan
While Weili Zhang and Tatiana Suarez are busy, I think we should have some fun together into the cage.
What do you think?
🦅 🤼♀️ 🇧🇷vs🇨🇳 #UFC #Topranked #Contenders @danawhite @Mickmaynard2 @ufc @UFCFightPass @UFCBrasil @UFCNews @UFCEurope
— Virna Jandiroba (@VirnaJandiroba) December 18, 2024
Jandiroba fought twice in 2024, and jumped from the prelims to a main event. In March at UFC, Jandiroba picked up a unanimous decision over Loopy Godinez. She went on to compete in her first main event at UFC where she trapped Amanda Lemos in a tight ambar for a second-round finish.
Yan (19-4 MMA, 9-3 UFC) faced Weili at UFC 300 in her first title opportunity, but lost a unanimous decision. She rebounded in November with a unanimous decision win over Tabatha Ricci.
In the latest USA TODAY SPORTS/MMA Junkie women’s strawweight rankings, Jandiroba is No. 3, and Yan is right behind her at No. 4.
