Zhang Weili recalls bizarre end to first round vs. Yan Xiaonan at UFC 300: ‘I really thought that she was out’

April 14, 2024 11:00 am ET

LAS VEGAS – Zhang Weili was just as confused as everyone else during her strawweight title defense at UFC 300.

The champion defended her belt in the co-main event of Saturday’s pay-per-view by defeating Yan Xiaonan in a unanimous decision. Although the fight went the full 25 minutes, some think it ended much sooner than that.

Weili (25-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) put Xiaonan (17-4 MMA, 8-3 UFC) in a rear-naked choke towards the end of Round1. When the bell rang, Xiaonan appeared out, as Weili pushed her off her and Xiaonan was limo and had a delayed response to get back to her feet. Many online, including the UFC commentators, believe Xiaonan was unconsious.

“I really thought that she was out,” Weili said at the UFC 300 post-fight press conference. “I didn’t know when the bell rang how the referee was going to handle that, But she bounced back very quickly in the second round.”

This was Weili’s second title defense of her second title reign at 115. Although some already consider her as a division great, Weili feels like there’s plenty of work to be done.

“I definitely want to build my legacy,” Weili said. “I still feel I’m some way to become a legend. I still have a lot to learn.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 300.

Be sure to visit the MMA Junkie Instagram page and YouTube channel to discuss this and more content with fans of mixed martial arts.