UFC Fight Night: Santos vs Teixeira- Claudia Gadelha vs Yan Xiaonan: Prediction and Analysis

UFC women’s strawweights Claudia Gadelha and Yan Xiaonan will battle it out for contention at UFC Fight Night: Santos vs Teixeira. The two were originally supposed to face off on September 26, 2020. The fight is important for the divisional growth as new contenders are always needed at 115-pounds.

The divisional queen Valentina Shevchenko has been a tyrant in the weight class and has disposed of all challengers to date. The aforementioned fighters pose different looks that could be a stylistic challenge for ‘The Bullet’. What’s more, both women have displayed the right temperament that will be required to face-off against Valentina Shevchenko.

UFC strawweights: Claudia Gadelha vs Yan Xiaonan

Former title challenger in Gadelha who is coming off back-to-back wins in her previous outings. She defeated Angela Hill and Randa Markos to get back on track after suffering a loss to Nina Ansaroff. Although her activity has declined over the last few years, she’s right in the ranks to face a dangerous rising contender.

‘Claudinha’ has a bullish tenacity that is virtually unmatched amongst other fighters in her weight class. Moreover, she’s adept at both takedowns as well as keeping the fight on the feet. She will have to be on her toes when facing Xiaonan, who’s a well-rounded threat that will look to take her place.

Yan Xiaonan has all the makings of a star and has displayed the skills under the bright lights. The Chinese fighter has remained undefeated in her last eleven fights as a professional. Not to mention five of those wins have come inside the octagon. Yan is fresh off a pair of decision wins over veteran fighters in Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Angela Hill.

Xiaonan prefers to fight at range and utilizes a style that has given Claudia Gadelha problems in the past. Although the strength advantage might marginally lie with Gadelha, Yan Xiaonan has the speed to counter any disadvantage she might encounter. Speaking of counters, Yan is well equipped to dish out punishment whilst being on the backfoot.

Prediction: Yan Xiaonan to claim a split decision victory