Virna Jandiroba may very well be next in line to challenge UFC women’s strawweight champion Weili Zhang after she came away with a dominant unanimous decision win over former title challenger and No. 1-ranked contender Yan Xiaonan at UFC 314.
Grappling was the key for Jandiroba in this one. Though her initial attempts to get the fight to the ground were denied, when she was able to, she was dominant and had significant top position time. What else was notable was how each round ended similaly — with Jandiroba threatening an armbar, and Xiaonan being saved by the horn.
Virna Jandiroba Dominates Yan Xiaonan En Route To Decision Win At UFC 314; Is She Next For Strawweight Title Fight?
Xiaonan looked to bring her striking on display, especially on the third round, but it was not enough. Jandiroba had been the clear aggressive fighter for nearly all of the fight, forcing Xiaonan on the defensive nearly all fight.
All three judges scored the fight for Jandiroba 30-27.
Jandiroba has now won five straight after a 3-3 start to her Octagon career.
Xiaonan was coming off a win over Tabatha Ricci. She challenged Zhang for the strawweight title 364 days ago at UFC 300, losing a decision.
