The UFC 314 Preliminary Card featured a women’s strawweight bout with title shot implications between top ranked Yan Xiaonan and No. 3 ranked Virna Jandiroba.
Xiaonan, a former title challenger, entered the fight coming off a decision win over Tabatha Ricci. With the win, the Chinese contender rebounded from a loss to champion Zhang Weili in her previous fight. A win over Jandiroba could have secured her a championship rematch.
Jandiroba made the walk to the octagon riding a four-fight winning streak. She earned a bonus for her second-round submission win over Amanda Lemos in her last outing. To defeat the top contender in the division would have likely solidified her a title shot next.
Xiaonan moved on the outside while Jandiroba looked to get the fight to the ground. Xiaonan defended a takedown attempt and landed to the body. Xiaonan defended a second takedown attempt but Jandiroba was successful in her third attempt. Xiaonan delivered elbows from the bottom. Jandirob moved to side control. Xiaonan worked her way back to full guard but took punches to do so. Jandiroba stood and Xiaonan scrambled. Jandiroba isolated an arm and worked for an arm bar at the bell. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Jandiroba.
Jandiroba inched forward to start the second frame and immediately took Xiaonan down. Xiaonan worked to stand but Jandiroba took her back. She delivered short punches to Xiaonan’s head. Jandiroba applied a body triangle and continued to deliver short punches and elbows. Xiaonan rolled and gained top position. She stood over Jandiroba and delivered punches. She dropped down into Jandiroba’s guard and Jandiroba looked to lock on an arm bar. She used it to gain top position and isolated an arm. She again worked for an arm bar but Xiaonan got her arm free. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Jandiroba.
Xiaonan came out in the third using her jab to remain on the outside. Jandiroba pressured Xiaonan and landed a right hand. Jandiroba briefly looked for a takedown but Xiaonan remained standing. Jandiroba closed the distance and drug Xiaonan to the canvas. The referee warned Xiaonan about grabbing the fence. Jandiroba delivered left hands as she took Xiaonan’s back. She continued to deliver punches and elbows. With seconds on the clock she locked on an arm bar. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Jandiroba in a dominating performance.
The judges scored the fight for Jandiroba by unanimous decision. The scorecards read
