The main event of UFC Vegas 61 is here.
BJJ ace Mackenzie Dern takes on China’s Yan Xiaonan in a key strawweight matchup.
Round 1:
Mackenzie Dern lands in the pocket. The aggressive Yan Xiaonan lands great combos in the pocket as well and a multitude of leg kicks. Yan continues to attack the knee of Dern. Dern goes for a takedown, pushing Yan to the cage. Dern grabs ahold of one leg but is unable to drag Yan to the ground. They separate.
Yan returns fires with leg kicks before defending yet another takedown from Dern. The two women slug it out in the pocket before Dern clinches up with Yan, taking the fight down to the ground. However, Yan ends up with some top control before ultimately getting back to her feet.
Round 2:
Yan throws a leg kick, Dern returns but gets her leg caught by Yan. Dern falls down and Yan uses this opportunity to land some ground and pound from top position. Dern tries to secure the left leg of Yan from below. Dern reverses position and goes for a omoplata submission. Dern then goes for a choke but is unable to get it. Dern unloads some ground and pound while having the back of Yan. Dern looks for an armbar but finishes the round on the back of Yan.
Round 3:
Yan bounces back in round 3, landing a series of strikes on Dern. Dern pulls guard onto the ground as Yan rushes in. They go back to their feet shortly after. Yan lands a great combo of punches and Dern lands a solid body kick in return. Yan throws a solid teep kick to the body of Dern.
Yan wobbles her opponent on the feet as Dern retreats for a moment. Dern catches a kick of Yan but is unable to get the fight down to the ground. Yan connects with a big right hand on the head of Dern. Yan batters the legs of Dern and Dern gets a takedown to end the round.
Round 4:
Yan spams multiple leg kicks and one headkick on Dern. Dern catches Yan with a right hand before attempting a takedown.Yan stuffs it and continues to deliver in the striking department. Dern goes for a judo throw on Yan but is unable to get it. The Chinese fighter continues to connect, landing a few good punches on Dern. The kicks also add up from Yan. Dern and Yan go to the ground after a brief moment in the clinch. Yan gets top control as Dern looks to do some work from the bottom position. Dern attempts an armbar but the bell sounds.
Round 5:
Dern goes on the offensive. She gets the fight to the ground, grabbing top control against Yan. Dern looks for an armbar but ultimately resorts to ground and pound strikes. With two minutes on the clock left, Dern tries to secure a finish. Dern rolls in for an armbar but is denied by Yan in the remaining seconds of the fight. Yan pours it on Dern, raining down punches from top before the final bell.
Check out the highlights below:
Twenty-five minutes or less! Let's do this! 💥#UFCVegas61 pic.twitter.com/M29qyXH7ai
— UFC_Asia (@UFC_Asia) October 2, 2022
To the main event rounds we go! 🍿 #UFCVegas61 pic.twitter.com/a8eYBt42xy
— UFC (@ufc) October 2, 2022
WHAT. A. FIGHT 👏
— UFC (@ufc) October 2, 2022
Who do you think leaves #UFCVegas61 with the W? pic.twitter.com/CFBMBjovRe
The strawweight division has a new contender on it's hands, and her name is Xiaonan Yan 💪 #UFCVegas61 pic.twitter.com/04V3vRRS3v
— UFC (@ufc) October 2, 2022
