Yan Xiaonan vs. Tabatha Ricci – Fight Preview & Analysis

UFC Fight Night 248: Yan vs. Figueiredo is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 23, 2024, in Macau, China. In this matchup on the fight card, Yan Xiaonan will take on Tabatha “Baby Shark” Sopaj in the Women’s Strawweight bout. You can view the complete UFC Fight Night 248 card.

Xiaonan brings a unique orthodox fighting stance with an 63″ reach. In contrast, Sopaj, an orthodox fighter, stands with a 61″ reach. These variations in their styles can have a significant impact inside the Octagon.

With a 44% striking accuracy, Xiaonan has shown his precision in landing significant strikes, averaging around 4.97 per minute. On the other hand, Sopaj boasts a 38% striking accuracy, landing approximately 4.63 significant strikes per minute.

In this post, we will break down Yan Xiaonan vs. Tabatha Ricci matchup. Let’s take a look at the fighter’s ages, their height, records, reach, fight stats, and more below ⤵

The 35-year-old, Yan Xiaonan is coming in with a 18-4-0 (1 NC) record. Xiaonan will be fighting for the first time since a loss via unanimous decision against Zhang Weili at UFC 300: Pereira vs. Hill in April.

Sopaj, meanwhile, is coming off a unanimous decision win against Yan Xiaonan on April 13, 2024, at UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs. Borralho and holds a 11-2-0 record.

Yan Xiaonan has a orthodox fighting stance with an 63″ reach. The 29-year-old Tabatha Ricci is an orthodox fighter with a 61″ reach. An orthodox fighter stands with their left side forward and jabs with their left hand. The southpaw fighter is the opposite. Southpaw stands with their right side forward and jabs with their right hand. In most cases, orthodox fighters are right-handed; if you are left-handed, you fight southpaw.

Yan Xiaonan stats

→ Xiaonan’s striking accuracy is 44%.
→ Xiaonan lands 4.97 significant strikes per minute.
→ Xiaonan’s takedown accuracy is 73%.
→ Xiaonan’s takedown average is 1 per 15 minutes.
→ Xiaonan’s takedown defense is 62%.

Xiaonan comes in with 44% striking accuracy, typically landing about 4.97 significant strikes every minute. Conversely, Sopaj fires at 38% accuracy, landing about 4.63 significant strikes per minute. Yan Xiaonan also has a 73% takedown accuracy and, on average, gets around 1 takedowns every 15 minutes, compared to Sopaj’s 2.99 takedowns and 81% takedown accuracy.

Tabatha Ricci stats

→ Sopaj’s striking accuracy is 38%.
→ Sopaj lands 4.63 significant strikes per minute.
→ Sopaj’s takedown accuracy is 38%.
→ Sopaj’s takedown average is 2.99 per 15 minutes.
→ Sopaj’s takedown defense is 81%.

Tabatha spent, on average, 13:09 minutes in the Octagon, and Yan has an average fight time of 15:02 minutes.

Considering their records, fighting styles, and recent performances, this matchup looks to be an interesting clash of skills and strategies. Who will come out victorious, Yan or Tabatha? Sound off in the comments.

You can view the scheduled UFC Fight Night 248 fight card, upcoming UFC schedule 2024, and latest MMA news.