UFC 314: Yan Xiaonan vs. Virna Jandiroba: Live round-by-round updates
Yan Xiaonan and Virna Jandiroba throw down at UFC 314 in a strawweight showdown with future title implications.
Yan rebounded strongly after falling short against Zhang Weili at UFC 300. In November, she returned to form in Macau, piecing up Tabatha Ricci with clean, technical striking and her patent pressure. The Chinese standout has long hovered near the top, but a win here may finally clear the path to another crack at gold.
Jandiroba, on the other hand, has quietly built a resume that screams title challenger. She’s on a four-fight tear, including dominant wins over Loopy Godinez and Amanda Lemos. A Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt with underrated toughness, Jandiroba thrives if the fight hits the mat.
The early prelims will begin at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time and 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time on UFC Fight Pass. The prelims will air at 8:00 p.m. Eastern and 5:00 p.m. Pacific on ESPN and ESPN+. The main card will start at 10:00 p.m. Eastern and 7:00 p.m. Pacific, streaming live on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View.
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for the live coverage and play-by-play of the clash:
Round 1
Xiaonan starts the fight with a straight jab to the body and a calf kick behind that. Jandiroba shoots for a takedown, and Xiaonan shrugs it off. Another jab to the body and a beautiful one-two by Xiaonan. Jandiroba ducks Xiaonan's punch and forces a clinch against the fence. She takes her opponent down, and Xiaonan tries to scramble back to her feet. Xiaonan postures into a sideways triangle guard from the bottom position. Jandiroba lands vicious elbows from the top, but Xiaonan refuses to yield ground. She almost gets an armbar in the final seconds, but Xiaonan defends brilliantly.
Our Score: 10-9 Jandiroba
Round 2
Jandiroba immediately shoots for the takedown, secures it, and takes her opponent's back with ease. She's working her way to a submission, but Xiaonan is defending wisely so far. Jandiroba is controlling one arm with her right hand is trying to sneak the left hand to set up the rear naked choke. She's trying to force an opening by landing short stinging punches from the back position. Jandiroba shifts to an armbar, loses position, and ends up on bottom. Xiaonan immediately fires back and ends up in Jandiroba's guard. The Brazilian tries to lock in an armbar again twice, but Xiaonan's defense has been on point.
Our Score: 10-9 Jandiroba (20-18 overall)
Round 3
Xiaonan is hesitant to get inside range, wary of Jandiroba's takedowns. She's securing a few points with jabs from outside range and strikes to the body. Jandiroba's trying to cut her off against the cage and find the right opening for a takedown. She secures one midway into the third round after some resistance from Xianoan that included a fence grab. Jandiroba gets one arm in after a series of rabbit punches. While Xiaonan has done an impressive job of defending the submission attempts, the persistent efforts from her opponent seem to be sapping her confidence. Jandiroba secures the armbar in the final seconds but Xiaonan is saved by the bell.
Our Score: 10-9 Jandiroba (30-27 overall)
Official Result
Virna Jandiroba defeats Yan Xiaonan by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, and 30-27)