Yan Xiaonan did just enough to escape UFC Vegas 61 with a win.
The 33-year-old Chinese contender captured one of the biggest victories of her career on Saturday, eking out a majority decision over Mackenzie Dern in Saturday’s strawweight main event. Xiaonan defeated Dern with her feet, and she was able to overcome Dern’s famed grappling even though they were stuck in danger spots during the second and fifth rounds. Dern nearly made a late push for a 10-8 round in the final frame — and even got it from one judge, pulling her into a 47-47 draw on that scorecard — but ultimately Xiaonan left Las Vegas victorious.
Check out how the pros reacted to Xiaonan vs. Dern below.
Let’s go @MackenzieDern!!! #TeamJP
— bjpenndotcom (@bjpenndotcom) October 2, 2022
Not always beautiful but damn Dern persists!
— Funky (@Benaskren) October 2, 2022
Yep Dern tortured her in R2 https://t.co/uhf6r1baKD
— Funky (@Benaskren) October 2, 2022
Jiu Jitsu class in the 2nd round @MackenzieDern #UFCVegas61
— Arianelipski (@Ariane_lipski) October 2, 2022
Seen having success with the striking. Obviously favors grappling, but can’t force it. Almost got her in trouble #UFCVegas61
— Ryan Quinn (@thecornermanmma) October 2, 2022
Tecia might kick my ass for this one but I’m a fan of @MackenzieDern her ground game continues to amaze me! @ufc
— Raquel Pennington (@RockyPMMA) October 2, 2022
Draw or nah? #UFCVegas61
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) October 2, 2022
10-8 round 5 I give it a draw! #UFCVegas61
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) October 2, 2022
Derns striking stinks and her wrestling is way below the level of her jiu jitsu
— Mike “Biggie” Rhodes (@TeamRocBiggie) October 2, 2022
Amazing performance by these two ladies #UFCVegas61
— Jalin Turner (@JalinTurner) October 2, 2022
Amazing fight ladies! #UFCVegas61
— Marina Rodriguez MMA (@wmmarz) October 2, 2022
FIGHT! imo#UFCVegas61 https://t.co/hcDobclB1s
— Marion Reneau (@BelizeanBruiser) October 2, 2022
Great fight. I felt that I had beat Xiaonan Yan in the first round, but I was much more confident tonight. Dern is dangerous, ladies. #OnlySlightlySaltyAnge #UFCVegas61
— Angela Hill (@AngieOverkill) October 2, 2022
I had a great conversation with @lastcall155 two weeks ago and he said he put a lot of work in with Yan this camp. He wanted tonight’s win and I understand how passionate he is. Danny is one of the best MMA coaches in the game and I’m sure he’s on cloud 9 right now! #UFCVegas61
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) October 2, 2022
