Yan Xiaonan, known by her nickname “Fury Nine,” is one of the most recognized Chinese female mixed martial artists in the world today. Competing in the UFC’s strawweight division, Yan has become a trailblazer for Chinese MMA, earning respect for her technical striking, resilience, and consistent performances against elite competition.
Yan Xiaonan’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Yan Xiaonan |
| Native Name | 闫晓楠 |
| Nickname | Fury Nine |
| Date of Birth | June 16, 1989 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 36 years |
| Place of Birth | Shenyang, Liaoning, China |
| Nationality | Chinese |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m) |
| Weight | 115 lb (52 kg) |
| Reach | 63 in (160 cm) |
| College | Xi’an Sports University |
| Degree | Bachelor’s (field not specified) |
| Religion | N/A |
| Turned Pro | 2008 |
| Years Active | 2009–present |
| Net Worth | $1.2 million |
| Salary (per fight) | $150,000+ (recent fights) |
| Spouse | Zhang Yang |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Children | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | @xiaonan_yan |
Early Career
Yan Xiaonan began training in Sanda, a form of Chinese kickboxing, at age 13. She was introduced to MMA while studying at Xi’an Sports University, encouraged by her coach Zhao Xuejun. Yan turned professional in 2008 and fought in various Asian promotions, including Road Fighting Championship, amassing an impressive early record before joining the UFC.
Professional Career
Yan made her UFC debut in 2017 against Kailin Curran, marking her arrival as the first Chinese female fighter signed by the promotion. Known for her crisp striking and high output, Yan quickly climbed the strawweight ranks with wins over notable opponents like Karolina Kowalkiewicz, Claudia Gadelha, and Mackenzie Dern.
Her career highlight came in May 2023 with a first-round TKO over Jessica Andrade, earning her a title shot at UFC 300 against Zhang Weili in April 2024. Although she lost the championship bout by decision, Yan remains a top contender, demonstrating resilience and technical prowess. As of 2025, she continues to compete at the highest level, recently facing Tabatha Ricci and preparing for more high-profile matchups.
Husband
Yan Xiaonan is married to Zhang Yang, a fellow Chinese national and mixed martial artist. The couple wed in 2016 after a long-term relationship. Yan does not have any children as of 2025, and she prefers to keep her family life private.
Yan Xiaonan’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Yan Xiaonan’s net worth is estimated at $1.2 million, which includes her UFC fight purses, performance bonuses, and sponsorship earnings.
Fight Purses
| Opponent | Event | Year | Base Purse | Win Bonus | Performance Bonus | Sponsorship | Total Earnings |
| Kailin Curran | UFC Fight Night 122 | 2017 | $12,000 | $12,000 | – | – | $24,000 |
| Viviane Pereira | UFC Fight Night 132 | 2018 | $16,000 | $16,000 | – | – | $32,000 |
| Syuri Kondo | UFC Fight Night 141 | 2018 | $18,000 | $18,000 | – | – | $36,000 |
| Angela Hill | UFC 238 | 2019 | $24,000 | $24,000 | – | – | $48,000 |
| Karolina Kowalkiewicz | UFC Fight Night 168 | 2020 | $30,000 | $30,000 | – | – | $60,000 |
| Claudia Gadelha | UFC on ESPN 17 | 2020 | $38,000 | $38,000 | – | – | $76,000 |
| Carla Esparza | UFC Fight Night 188 | 2021 | $48,000 | – | – | – | $48,000 |
| Marina Rodriguez | UFC 272 | 2022 | $50,000 | – | – | – | $50,000 |
| Mackenzie Dern | UFC Fight Night 211 | 2022 | $60,000 | $60,000 | – | – | $120,000 |
| Jessica Andrade | UFC 288 | 2023 | $75,000 | $75,000 | – | – | $150,000 |
| Weili Zhang | UFC 300 | 2024 | $85,000 | – | – | – | $85,000 |
| Tabatha Ricci | UFC Fight Night 248 | 2024 | $110,000 | $100,000 | – | – | $210,000 |
| Virna Jandiroba | UFC 314 | 2025 | $150,000 | $100,000 | $50,000 | $11,000 | $311,000 |
Endorsements
- Yan Xiaonan is a member of China Top Team MMA.
- She is managed by Paradigm Sports.
- Most of her sponsorships are within China.
- No major international endorsement deals have been publicly disclosed.
- She receives UFC uniform sponsorship payouts per fight.
Career Records
| Opponent | Result | Method | Event | Year |
| Kailin Curran | Win | Decision | UFC Fight Night 122 | 2017 |
| Angela Hill | Win | Decision | UFC 238 | 2019 |
| Karolina Kowalkiewicz | Win | Decision | UFC Fight Night 168 | 2020 |
| Claudia Gadelha | Win | Decision | UFC on ESPN 17 | 2020 |
| Carla Esparza | Loss | TKO | UFC Fight Night 188 | 2021 |
| Marina Rodriguez | Loss | Decision | UFC 272 | 2022 |
| Mackenzie Dern | Win | Decision | UFC Fight Night 211 | 2022 |
| Jessica Andrade | Win | TKO | UFC 288 | 2023 |
| Weili Zhang | Loss | Decision | UFC 300 | 2024 |
| Tabatha Ricci | – | – | UFC Fight Night 248 | 2024 |
| Virna Jandiroba | – | – | UFC 314 | 2025 |
FAQs
1. Who is Yan Xiaonan?
Yan Xiaonan is a Chinese professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC’s strawweight division. She is recognized as the first Chinese woman signed by the UFC and is one of the top contenders in her weight class.
2. What is Yan Xiaonan’s MMA record?
As of April 2025, Yan Xiaonan has a professional MMA record of 19 wins, 5 losses, and 1 no contest, with 8 wins by knockout, 1 by submission, and 10 by decision.
3. What are Yan Xiaonan’s most notable UFC victories?
Yan Xiaonan’s most notable UFC wins include victories over Jessica Andrade by first-round knockout, Mackenzie Dern by majority decision, and Angela Hill by unanimous decision.
4. Did Yan Xiaonan ever fight for a UFC title?
Yes, Yan Xiaonan challenged for the UFC women’s strawweight title against Zhang Weili at UFC 300 on April 13, 2024, but lost by unanimous decision.
5. What is Yan Xiaonan’s fighting style?
Yan Xiaonan is known as a technical striker with a background in Sanda (Chinese kickboxing). She fights aggressively, landing nearly 5 significant strikes per minute with a striking accuracy around 48%.
6. How tall is Yan Xiaonan and what is her reach?
Yan Xiaonan is 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters) tall with a reach of 63 inches (160 cm).
7. When did Yan Xiaonan make her UFC debut?
Yan Xiaonan made her UFC debut on November 25, 2017, defeating Kailin Curran by unanimous decision.
8. What is Yan Xiaonan’s rank in the UFC strawweight division?
As of April 2025, Yan Xiaonan is ranked #3 in the UFC women’s strawweight division and #12 in the UFC women’s pound-for-pound rankings.
9. Who did Yan Xiaonan last fight, and what was the result?
Yan Xiaonan’s most recent fight was against Tabatha Ricci on November 23, 2024, at UFC Fight Night in Macau, where she won by unanimous decision.
10. Has Yan Xiaonan ever won a UFC championship?
No, Yan Xiaonan has not won a UFC championship as of April 2025.