Yan enters as one of the most accomplished strawweights in the division, having challenged for UFC gold and faced elite competition such as Zhang Weili, Jessica Andrade, Carla Esparza, and Virna Jandiroba. Her technical striking remains among the best in the division.
Gomes, meanwhile, has quietly put together a four-fight winning streak with victories over veteran names including Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Tecia Pennington.
Yan Xiaonan
Last 3 Bouts
Win. Virna Jandiroba – Unanimous Decision
Lose. Zhang Weili – Unanimous Decision
Win. Jessica Andrade – TKO (Round 1)
Strengths
Elite striking technique
Excellent distance management
Strong takedown defense
High fight IQ
Proven five-round experience
Superior cardio and pace management
Weaknesses
Limited submission threat
Can struggle against elite grapplers
Doesn’t always carry one-shot finishing power
Occasionally vulnerable in clinch exchanges
Keys to Victory
Keep the fight at striking range
Use lateral movement to avoid pressure
Punish Gomes with combinations as she enters
Attack the body to slow Gomes’ aggression
Extend the fight into the later rounds where cardio becomes a factor
Denise Gomes
Last 3 Bouts
Win. Tecia Pennington – Unanimous Decision
Win. Elise Reed – TKO (Round 2)
Win. Karolina Kowalkiewicz – Unanimous Decision
Strengths
Explosive punching power
Aggressive forward pressure
Strong clinch control
Physical strength for the division
Finishing ability
Four-fight winning streak entering the bout
Weaknesses
Gives up experience against elite contenders
Can be outpointed by technical strikers
Cardio has faded in some longer fights
Absorbs more strikes than Yan on average
Keys to Victory
Cut off the cage effectively
Pressure Yan from the opening bell
Mix striking with takedown attempts
Make the fight physical in the clinch
Land power shots early to discourage Yan’s movement
Odds
Yan Xionan -155
Denise Gomes +130
