Exclusive: Yan Xiaonan previews much-awaited “Chinese derby” title fight with Zhang Weili at UFC 300

On the upcoming UFC 300 event, Zhang Weili, the two-time UFC women’s strawweight champion, will face her fellow Chinese fighter Yan Xiaonan in a title defense match.

She evaluated her adversary’s well-rounded combat technique in contrast to her own focus on striking, stating:

“Yeah, apparently Weili Zhang is very well-rounded. She has very good wrestling, striking, [and] jiu-jitsu and she combined them pretty well. For me, I’m more of a striker.”

‘Fury’ not only discussed her training regimen, but also recognized all of her coaches at Team Alpha Male, the gym she belongs to. Founded and led by former bantamweight contender Urijah Faber, Team Alpha Male has already produced three UFC champions. If Xiaonan emerges victorious, she would become the fourth champion to come out of this esteemed gym.

“I have so many people helping me out like for my training partners, I have Alex, Bobo, and my teammate back in China. He came all the way here to support me and my coaches like Urijah Faber and Danis, Marcus and Boba. Like I feel like in Team Alpha Male, cause this is a big fight, everyone’s helping me out and everyone’s been so helpful.”

Yan Xiaonan dubs her upcoming title fight against Zhang Weili as the “Battle for Chinese Supremacy”

The co-main event of UFC 300 between Yan Xiaonan and Zhang Weili will make history as the first time two Chinese-born fighters compete for a championship in the UFC.

“I know that the Chinese UFC fans, they are so excited about this. There finally be some like two Chinese people fighting against each other and challenging each other for the belt. And finally you have the Chinese derby.”[2:06]

Xiaonan additionally posted on her Instagram account to honor Weili, using hashtags that highlighted their common nationality and featuring images of them both with the flag of the People’s Republic of China.

In addition, Xiaonan noted that her parents, who currently live in the United States, will be in attendance on the night of the fight.