China's UFC warriors proud as punch

There will be blood, and plenty of pride for sure, on a night to remember for Chinese MMA.

With their civil war in the Octagon capturing the world's attention, strawweight queen Zhang Weili and challenger Yan Xiaonan are embracing their historic all-Chinese title fight at UFC300 as a proud showcase of Chinese women's strength and courage.

On a fight card stacked with 12 current or former world champions, Zhang's defense of her 115-pound (52-kilogram) belt against Yan in Las Vegas on Saturday is expected to steal the show — a testament to China's emerging power in mixed martial arts at the highest level.

Zhang, the first ever world champion from China with the Vegas-based promotion, has vowed to show no mercy against Yan in the title showdown, and will take huge pride in the knowledge that, whoever is the last woman standing, China will be the winner.

"I am really glad that this is happening, that two Chinese women get to lock horns in the Octagon for a world title," said Zhang, who has just completed a seven-week pre-fight training program in the United States.

"There is no better occasion than this to demonstrate the power of Chinese women in front of the world.

"We are both pros. For sure, I will go to war against her and fight as hard as I can to show my respect. I'm sure she feels the same way.

"Mentally, I am approaching this fight as seriously as any title defense. I don't have any pressure though. I'm used to having a challenger's mindset against no one but myself," added Zhang, who goes by the moniker "Magnum".

Zhang first won the belt on home soil in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, in August 2019, when she knocked out Brazil's Jessica Andrade in just 42 seconds. Six months later, she lost the belt in a rematch against Rose Namajunas.

Now a more complete MMA pro, Zhang, who holds a 24-3 win-loss record, is currently enjoying her second title reign in the division.

Last August, she scored a successful defense against another Brazilian, Amanda Lemos, by unanimous decision, having reclaimed the belt from American Carla Esparza in November 2022.

From taking on the world alone to being challenged by one of her own, Zhang reckons the rise of Chinese fighters in the Octagon is an inspiration to her country's next generation of MMA talent.

"It proves that the sport's development in China has advanced to the next level," said the 33-year-old.

"I think with more domestic promotions getting involved and more events held at home, we will increase awareness of MMA and more fighters will join us on the international stage.

"Eventually, fans will become accustomed to seeing more all-Chinese fights, just like with the Americans, Brazilians and Mexicans nowadays."

Known as "Fury" in the Octagon, Yan, who owns an 18-3 all-time record, is riding on the momentum of back-to-back wins over Andrade in May 2023 and Mackenzie Dern in October 2022.

With a similar striking style to Zhang, Yan has punched her way into her maiden title bout since becoming the first Chinese woman to sign with UFC in August 2017 — nine months before Zhang joined the promotion.

Both exceptional strikers, Zhang is favored by many of her peers to retain her belt as she possesses more experience in five-rounders and appears to hold a grappling edge on the ground.

Zhang is also considered a more potent finisher than Yan, who only recently secured her first UFC finish by knocking out Andrade; Zhang, by contrast, has amassed five wins via KO or TKO in the Octagon.

Yan said the underdog tag will help her fight pressure-free.

"I've become used to fighting against the odds throughout my career. I only focus on myself, whoever I face," said Yan, who now lives in Sacramento and trains at the famous Team Alpha Male gym in the Californian city.

"Physically, mentally and technically, I feel like I've improved a lot by perfecting my MMA skills in the States," said Yan, who has been coached by UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber at Alpha Male.

"The coaches here helped me to become more professional with my training habits, diet, fitness and lifestyle, and worked on my weaknesses in wrestling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

"I've prepared as best I can, so I will just head into the fight calm and confident," said the 34-year-old native of Liaoning province.

The intriguing "Chinese derby "has piqued the interest of the wider UFC world, with former strawweight titlist Namajunas warning Zhang to be wary of Yan's lethal punching power.

"Weili is a better all-rounder in terms of the skills," said the 'Thug', who now fights in the heavier flyweight division.

"Yan is interesting, though. I think she has more power in her. I feel like if she connects with one of those right hands, that's a huge problem for Weili ... I believe that Weili is very smart and she's gonna take what she learned from her fights to evolve."

Namajunas, the only fighter to beat Zhang twice in a row, talked up the possibility of renewing her rivalry with her Chinese foe should she decide to move up to the 125-pound class.

"I think she's skilled enough to be able to move up, for sure. It (a third bout against Zhang) is definitely possible," said the American, who won her first bout in the flyweight division, against Amanda Ribas via unanimous decision, on March 23.

sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn