Xiaonan Yan Bio
Xiaonan Yan is a Chinese professional mixed martial artist competing in the women’s Strawweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Born on June 16, 1989, in Shenyang, Liaoning, China, Yan is recognized as a pioneering figure in Chinese MMA. She began her professional career in 2009 and has steadily climbed the ranks in the sport with a record of 19 wins and 5 losses.
Early Life and Background
Xiaonan Yan was born in Shenyang, Liaoning, China, and developed an early interest in martial arts, beginning her training at the age of 13. She attended Xi’an Sports University, where she continued to practice Sanda, a Chinese martial art. Yan was introduced to mixed martial arts by her coach Zhao Xuejun in 2009 while at university, marking the start of her journey into MMA.
Path to MMA
Yan’s foundation in Sanda provided a strong base for her transition to MMA. She initially competed in the Flyweight division before moving to Strawweight in 2010. Yan fought in various promotions, including Road Fighting Championship, where she built a record of 9 wins, 1 loss, and 1 no contest before signing with the UFC. Her early career was marked by steady development and notable victories that paved the way for her entry into the world’s premier MMA organization.
Xiaonan Yan Career
Early Career (2009–2017)
Yan began her professional MMA career in 2009, competing primarily in Asian promotions. During this period, she honed her skills and gained valuable experience, compiling a strong record that caught the attention of the UFC. She trained with teams such as China Top Team and Extreme Sanda, which contributed to her growth as a fighter.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2017–Present)
Yan made her UFC debut on November 25, 2017, at UFC Fight Night: Bisping vs. Gastelum, defeating Kailin Curran by unanimous decision. She quickly established herself as a top contender in the Strawweight division with a series of wins over notable opponents including Syuri Kondo, Angela Hill, and Karolina Kowalkiewicz. Yan’s fighting style combines her Sanda striking with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, in which she holds a blue belt.
Throughout her UFC tenure, Yan has faced top competition, including former champions Carla Esparza and Jéssica Andrade. She earned a first-round knockout victory over Andrade in May 2023, showcasing her striking power. Yan challenged Zhang Weili for the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship at UFC 300 in April 2024 but lost by unanimous decision. She remains a top-ranked fighter, known for her technical striking and well-rounded skill set.
Team Alpha Male Era (Present)
Currently, Xiaonan Yan trains with Team Alpha Male, a renowned MMA team based in the United States. This move has helped her refine her skills and compete at the highest level internationally. Yan continues to be a prominent figure in the Strawweight division, maintaining a strong presence in the UFC rankings and competing against elite opponents.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Yan Xiaonan’s fighting style is rooted in her Sanda background, emphasizing precise striking and footwork. She complements her stand-up game with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills, holding a blue belt in the discipline. Yan is known for her technical approach, strategic fight planning, and ability to adapt during bouts, making her a versatile and challenging opponent.
Notable Events and Milestones
Yan was the first Chinese female fighter signed by the UFC, marking a significant milestone for Chinese MMA. Her knockout victory over Jéssica Andrade in 2023 stands out as a career highlight. Yan’s title challenge against Zhang Weili at UFC 300 was a defining moment, underscoring her status as one of the top Strawweight fighters globally.
Xiaonan Yan Career Wins
Throughout her career, Xiaonan Yan has amassed 19 wins in professional MMA, including victories by decision, knockout, and submission. Her UFC tenure features multiple unanimous decision wins and a notable knockout, reflecting her well-rounded abilities and competitive consistency.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Highlights
Yan has secured several key wins in the UFC Strawweight division, beginning with her debut victory over Kailin Curran. She has defeated top contenders such as Syuri Kondo, Angela Hill, and Karolina Kowalkiewicz. Her most recent highlight includes a first-round knockout of former champion Jéssica Andrade. Yan’s performances have earned her a top-five ranking in the division and a title shot against Zhang Weili.
Other Wins and Performances
Before joining the UFC, Yan competed in regional promotions across Asia, notably Road Fighting Championship, where she built a strong record that led to her UFC signing. Her early career success laid the foundation for her rise in the global MMA scene.
Xiaonan Yan Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Details about Xiaonan Yan’s family background and personal life remain private. She resides in Beijing, China, and focuses primarily on her professional MMA career. Yan is known by the nicknames “Fury” and “Nine” within the MMA community.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Xiaonan Yan continues to compete at a high level in the UFC Strawweight division. She secured a unanimous decision win over Tabatha Ricci in November 2024 and faced Virna Jandiroba in April 2025, where she experienced a unanimous decision loss. Yan remains active and competitive, training with Team Alpha Male and aiming to return to title contention. Her experience and skill set position her as a consistent threat in the division’s evolving landscape.