BREAKING: Former women's strawweight champion set to take on Yan Xiaonan at UFC 288
Following her decision win over Mackenzie Dern last time out, Yan Xiaonan will have a tough challenge on her hands at UFC 288 when she steps into the octagon against a former women's strawweight world champion later this year.
The Liaoning native has showcased her striking ability throughout her career in the sport, though she has never managed to claim a stoppage victory during her time with the UFC, which spans over half a decade. Despite this, 'Fury' still has some serious talent and will look to extend her 7-2 record in the company next time out.
As announced on social media earlier today, Yan Xiaonan will welcome Jessica Andrade into the cage for a heavy-hitting showdown between two top-ranked contenders in the women's strawweight division.
🚨🚨BREAKING🚨🚨
Strawweight action on May 6th at #UFC288. Former champion Jessica Andrade takes on Yan Xiaonan in a match-up between the #4 and #6 in the division. https://t.co/v6myS7kGjz
The pair are set to meet for the upcoming UFC 288 event on May 6 in a bout that will likely have huge title implications on the line for the winner.
Currently ranked at #4 and #6 respectively, Jessica Andrade and Yan Xiaonan are potentially just one win away from being next up for a shot at the champion. Zhang Weili sits atop the 115lb rankings and would make an excellent matchup for either of the two women should they be given a shot at UFC gold.
The Brazilian took no time in getting another fight booked after her short notice showing didn't turn out as planned. Her lack of a full camp clearly damaged her performance and the powerhouse succumbed to Erin Blanchfield's pressure and subsequent rear-naked choke submission.
Jessica Andrade vs. Yan Xiaonan and other big fights at UFC 288
Alongside the entertaining clash between Jessica Andrade and Yan Xiaonan, UFC 288 will showcase some incredible matchups when it commences on May 6.
Headlining the event will be the long-awaited bantamweight title fight between reigning king Aljamain Sterling and the returning former two-division champion Henry Cejudo.
Despite no gold being on the line, the co-main event could well steal the show as Charles Oliveira makes his octagon return for the first time since losing to Islam Makhachev last year. He will come up against the well-rounded Beneil Dariush, who is within touching distance of earning himself a shot at UFC gold.
UFC 288 also features a heavy-hitting affair between Devin Clark and Kennedy Nzechukwu all but promises to end with a knockout as the two light heavyweight contenders aim to slug it out when the cage door closes.