The UFC returns to Shanghai this weekend, where top-10 women’s strawweights Yan Xiaonan and Denise Gomes will collide in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night: Nurmagomedov vs. Song.
Yan (19–5, 9–4 UFC) returns after her lopsided decision loss to Virna Jandiroba at UFC 314 in April 2025. Gomes (12–3, 6–2 UFC) is riding a four-fight surge, punctuated by a commanding decision win over Tecia Pennington in November.
Yan enters as a -162 moneyline favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook. Gomes is a +136 underdog, with the fight total set at O/U 2.5 rounds.
Yan vs. Gomes Preview
Yan Xiaonan (#4)
- 19–5 (9–4 UFC)
- 8–1 (T)KO
- 1–1 SUB
Yan Xiaonan returns to the Octagon for the first time in over a year, looking to put on a show in her homeland. And despite dropping two of her last three bouts, the veteran striker is not to be counted out.
Yan, 37, has consistently battled the cream of the 115-pound crop; her only losses over the last four years have come against imposing former champion Zhang Weili and, most recently, ex-title challenger Virna Jandiroba. Her resume during that stretch also includes a handful of notable wins, including a split-decision victory over current champ Mackenzie Dern and a first-round stoppage of former titleholder Jessica Andrade.
While Yan has shown vulnerability against elite grapplers, she has held her own when facing less formidable ground-first fighters. On Saturday, she’ll likely lean on her Octagon experience to keep the fight on the feet, where she can employ her crisp and powerful striking.
Denise Gomes (#9)
- 12–3 (6–2 UFC)
- 7–1 (T)KO
- 0–0 SUB
Still just 26, Denise Gomes is seemingly two or three wins away from a title shot. The rising Brazilian has rocketed up the rankings with a four-fight winning streak, during which she continues to polish each facet of her game.
“Dee” arrives in Shanghai with a strong Muay Thai base — bolstered by fight-ending power — and a steadily accelerating grappling game. She has landed three takedowns in back-to-back bouts, including in her latest win: a dominant decision win over Tecia Pennington in November. However, while Pennington is a grizzled, 10-year Octagon veteran, she’s no Xionan. Gomes heads into Saturday facing a steep climb in competition — by far the toughest test of her young career.
Yan vs. Gomes Pick, Best Bet
While Denise Gomes is an impressive prospect on the rise, it seems that her momentum will take a hit against the battle-tested Yan Xiaonan. Despite a long layoff and recent losses, the Chinese contender has continually taken on the toughest challenges at 115 pounds — and she should look all the better for it when facing a less seasoned opponent. With her Octagon experience, Yan should hold her own in the grappling department, stay out of harm’s way, and pull out the victory in her native country.
