This Saturday, the Galaxy Arena in Macau is set to erupt as China's own Yan Xiaonan returns to the Octagon to take on rising Brazilian star Tabatha Ricci in the co-main event of UFC Macau: Yan vs. Figueiredo.
After a tough loss to Zhang Weili at UFC 300, Yan is ready to bounce back in front of her home crowd, aiming to reignite her journey toward UFC strawweight gold.
Homecoming to China: A Career Milestone
For the 35-year-old Shenyang native, fighting on home soil is more than just a professional obligation—it’s an emotional and energizing experience. This will be Yan's third fight in China, and memories of her victorious outings in Shanghai (2017) and Beijing (2018) still fuel her fire.
"I’m very excited and happy because it’s been many years since I last fought in my home country,” Yan shared in a recent interview. “I can still feel the adrenaline rush from those moments.”
Yan's return is not just a treat for fans but a testament to her resilience. Facing the pressures of performing in front of friends, family, and a roaring Chinese crowd, Yan has embraced the challenge, channeling it into motivation for Saturday night.
Learning from the Best: The Zhang Weili Title Fight
Yan’s title fight against Zhang Weili at UFC 300 was undoubtedly the biggest stage of her career. Although she came up short with a unanimous decision loss, the experience was invaluable.
"I think my performance was okay, and I learned a lot from the title shot experience," Yan said. "Next time, I will correct my mistakes and get more ready for the next title run."
With back-to-back wins over Mackenzie Dern and Jessica Andrade before the Zhang fight, Yan showcased her ability to handle elite competition. Now, she’s focused on regaining her momentum with a win over Ricci.
Facing Tabatha Ricci: A Clash of Styles
Tabatha "Baby Shark" Ricci is no walk in the park. Known for her relentless forward pressure and sharp judo skills, Ricci is riding a wave of momentum into this fight. However, Yan is confident in her preparation.
"She’s good at moving forward and giving pressure, but my team and I have a strategy,” Yan revealed. “If we play it right, we’ll take the victory.”
Fans can expect an electrifying clash, as Yan’s striking-heavy style meets Ricci’s grappling-based game. Yan’s ability to push the pace and finish fights has been her calling card, and she’s ready to deliver another signature performance.
The Perfect Camp and Team Alpha Male Support
Yan has spent years training at Team Alpha Male in Sacramento, California, honing her skills with some of the best coaches and fighters in the game. For this camp, she balanced her training between California and the UFC Performance Institute in Shanghai, ensuring she’s at peak condition for fight night.
“This was a perfect training camp,” Yan said. “Team Alpha Male has been great for my growth, and coming to China for final preparations was amazing. It feels good to be back.”
Catch all the action live from Galaxy Arena in Macau, China, this Saturday, November 23, 2024. Prelims start at 3am ET/12am PT, with the main card kicking off at 6am ET/3am PT, streaming exclusively on ESPN+. Witness Yan Xiaonan’s homecoming and a night of unforgettable fights!