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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. Yan outstruck Dern on the feet and fended off her foe’s vaunted grappling despite being stuck in dangerous spots in 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 Yan left Las Vegas victorious.
Check out how the pros reacted to Yan vs. Dern below.
Let’s go @MackenzieDern!!! #TeamJP
— bjpenndotcom (@bjpenndotcom) October 2, 2022
Not always pretty but damn Dern is persistent!
— 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
WHAT A GREAT FIGHT! imo#UFCVegas61 https://t.co/hcDobclB1s
— Marion Reneau (@BelizeanBruiser) October 2, 2022
Great fight, just gonna throw it out there that I still felt like I beat Xiaonan Yan when we fought, but she looked much improved tonight. Dern is dangerous af, great job 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. I know how much he wanted this win tonight. 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
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