Yan Xiaonan Keeps Title Aspirations on Ice Ahead of High-Stakes UFC Shanghai Return
After more than a year away from the Octagon, Chinese strawweight standout Yan Xiaonan is set to make a triumphant homecoming. The No. 4-ranked contender returns to action this Saturday in Shanghai, headlining the co-main event against the surging Denise Gomes.
For Yan, the path back to the top of the 115-pound division is a journey that requires singular focus. Following a tough unanimous-decision loss to Virna Jandiroba and a grueling five-round title fight against Zhang Weili at UFC 300, the 37-year-old has used her extended hiatus to recalibrate.
While the division has evolved significantly in her absence—with Mackenzie Dern now holding the crown—Yan remains resolute in her approach.
“I am not going to think about the championship right now,” Yan told the Times of India in an exclusive interview. “Right now, my priority is the first fight. I am going to pay attention to this fight and try to win this fight.”
A Mature Approach to Competition
Yan’s philosophy is rooted in pragmatism. When pressed on who she might target next should she emerge victorious against the 14th-ranked Gomes, the veteran opted to keep her gaze strictly on the immediate task.
“I am open-minded. I am just waiting for whoever the next opponent is. I don’t really care,” she stated.
Despite the lengthy layoff, Yan insists she is a more dangerous fighter today than when she last competed. She credits her time away for fostering a higher level of maturity and refining her technical foundation. Bolstered by a dedicated team based in the United States, she feels she has reached a new peak in her physical and mental conditioning.
“I am definitely more experienced and more mature since last year,” she noted. “Whatever skills I have improved, whatever strengths I have, and even the team… the whole team has improved as well.”
Facing the Rising Threat
Her opponent, 26-year-old Denise Gomes, presents a potent challenge. Currently riding an impressive four-fight winning streak, Gomes enters the bout with significant momentum and a reputation for finishing fights. However, Yan remains unfazed by the threat level.
“There is no threat at all. I am just going to be myself, use whatever I have trained, and perform my game,” Yan said.
The Shanghai Spotlight
The event marks a special milestone for Yan: a return to Shanghai after a nine-year absence. While the homecoming is significant, she rejects the notion that the pressure of fighting in front of a home crowd will hinder her performance. Instead, she finds herself invigorated by the environment.
“After nine years, I am returning to Shanghai for the UFC. There is no pressure at all. It is just more exciting,” she shared.
Yan will be joined on the card by fellow Team Alpha Male representative Song Yadong, who is set to headline the event against Umar Nurmagomedov. The camaraderie between the two Chinese stars has provided an extra layer of motivation during a high-pressure fight week.
“We are from the same team, and it definitely improves my confidence. I am really happy to work together with Song Yadong, and hopefully, we can both win our fights.”
As the UFC Shanghai event approaches, the stakes remain clear: for Yan, this is not just a return to the cage, but a critical opportunity to reclaim her momentum and prove that she remains a force to be reckoned with at the top of the strawweight division.
Broadcast Details: Catch the action live on August 29, 2026, starting at 3:30 PM IST on Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3, Sony Sports Ten 4, and Sony LIV.
