Former UFC strawweight title challenger Yan Xiaonan has a tough task in her way of getting another shot at gold.
At UFC 314 on April 12, Yan (19-4 MMA, 9-3 UFC) will face fellow top 115-pound contender Virna Jandiroba (21-3 MMA, 7-3 UFC) in the promotion’s return to Miami. The main card airs on ESPN+ pay-per-view following prelims expected on ESPN and ESPN+.
MMA Junkie confirmed the news with two sources who know of the booking following a first report from Ag Fight.
China’s Yan earned her first shot at the strawweight title at UFC 300 last April, but she couldn’t defeat her fellow countrywoman Zhang Weili. Yan lost a unanimous decision in the biggest fight of her career thus far but rebounded well in a decision over Tabatha Ricci in November.
Brazil’s Jandiroba has been navigating her way through the division to earn her first title shot. She’s currently on a four-fight winning streak, including wins over Angela Hill, Marina Rodriguez and Lupita Godinez. In her most recent appearance in July, Jandiroba submitted Amanda Lemos to win her first UFC main event.
The latest UFC 314 lineup includes:
- Gilbert Burns vs. Michael Morales
- Virna Jandiroba vs. Yan Xiaonan
- Nikita Krylov vs. Dominick Reyes
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 314.
