Yan Xiaonan has significantly impacted mixed martial arts (MMA), particularly in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
She has shown remarkable skill and determination as a professional MMA fighter, earning her a top spot in the UFC’s strawweight rankings.
In this article, you will know Yan Xiaonan’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Yan Xiaonan’s Biography
| Full Name | Yan Xiaonan |
| Nickname | Nine |
| Birth Date | June 16, 1989 |
| Height | 5′ 5″ (165 cm) |
| Weight | 115 lbs (52 kg) |
| Birthplace | Liaoning, China |
| Nationality | Chinese |
| Current Net Worth | $1 million |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Husband | Zhang Yang |
| Instagram Profile | @xiaonan_yan |
Born on June 16, 1989, in Liaoning, China, Yan Xiaonan has become one of the most prominent figures in women’s MMA.
Her journey began in her home country, where she developed a passion for martial arts at a young age.
Yan’s dedication to the sport has taken her from national competitions to the global stage of the UFC, where she continues to showcase her talents.
Early Career
From a young age, she tended to fight, often standing up to bullies during her childhood. She was described as a “naughty girl” who was always destined to be a fighter.
Yan began training in martial arts at the age of 13. Her father, whom she calls her hero, encouraged her to learn martial arts and guided her down the path of this discipline.
Before starting her professional fighting career, Yan was a Sanda Fighter, a Chinese self-defense system and combat sport.
Professional Career
Yan Xiaonan is a professional mixed martial artist from China. She competes in the Strawweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Xiaonan started training for fighting in 2015 and turned professional in 2008. She has a bachelor’s degree from Xian Sports Academy.
Before she started fighting, she was a Sanda Fighter. She is affiliated with Team Alpha Male and fights out of Sacramento, California, USA.
As of January 5, 2024, Yan Xiaonan’s professional MMA record is 17 wins, 3 losses, and 1 no-contest. Of her 17 wins, 8 were by knockout, and 9 were by decision.
Husband
Yan Xiaonan, a professional mixed martial artist, is married to Zhang Yang. The couple married in 2016 after a long-term relationship.
Zhang Yang is known to be a supportive partner who understands Yan Xiaonan’s passion for her sport.
Yan Xiaonan’s Net Worth Details
Yan Xiaonan’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million as of 2025. Her earnings come from her prize money as a professional MMA Fighter, endorsements, and other sources.
Prize Money
Yan Xiaonan, a professional mixed martial artist, has earned significant prize money throughout her career. Her earnings vary based on the event she is participating in.
For instance, at UFC Fight Night: Font vs. Garbrandt, Yan earned a guaranteed purse of $40,000.
At UFC on ESPN: Santos vs. Teixeira, Yan’s guaranteed purse was $24,000, and she earned a win bonus of the same amount.
In addition to her guaranteed purse, Yan earns a win bonus equal to her guaranteed purse for each fight she wins.
For example, at UFC Fight Night: Felder vs. Hooker, Yan’s guaranteed purse was $22,000, and she earned a win bonus of the same amount.
Career Earnings
| Event | Date | Guaranteed Purse | Win Bonus | Endorsement | Total |
| UFC Fight Night: Bisping vs Gastelum | Nov 25, 2017 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $2,500 | $22,500 |
| UFC Fight Night: Cowboy vs Edwards | Jun 23, 2018 | $12,000 | $12,000 | $3,500 | $27,500 |
| UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs Ngannou 2 | Nov 24, 2018 | $14,000 | $14,000 | $3,500 | $31,500 |
| UFC 238 | Jun 8, 2019 | $20,000 | $20,000 | $4,000 | $44,000 |
| UFC Fight Night: Felder vs Hooker | Feb 23, 2020 | $22,000 | $22,000 | $5,000 | $49,000 |
| UFC on ESPN: Santos vs Teixeira | Nov 7, 2020 | $24,000 | $24,000 | $5,000 | $53,000 |
| UFC Fight Night: Font vs Garbrandt | Date not specified | $40,000 | – | $6,000 | $46,000 |
Endorsement
Yan Xiaonan has attracted sponsorships and endorsements, contributing to her overall earnings.
Her affiliation with Team Alpha Male and her popularity in China make her an attractive partner for brands looking to connect with the MMA audience.
Career Stats
| Total Fights | Wins | Wins by KO | Wins by Submission | Wins by Decision | Losses | Losses by KO | Losses by Submission | Losses by Decision | No Contests |
| 21 | 17 | 8 | 0 | 9 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
FAQs
1. Who is Yan Xiaonan?
Yan Xiaonan, born on June 16, 1989, in Liaoning, China, is a professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC’s strawweight division. She is the first Chinese female fighter signed by the UFC and is known for her aggressive striking style and background in Sanda.
2. What is Yan Xiaonan’s fighting style?
Yan Xiaonan specializes in striking, utilizing speed, precision, and volume to dominate opponents. Her style is rooted in Sanda (Chinese kickboxing), and she averages 4.97 significant strikes per minute with a takedown defense rate of 62%, favoring stand-up combat over grappling.
3. What is Yan Xiaonan’s MMA record?
Yan Xiaonan holds a professional MMA record of 19 wins, 4 losses, and no draws. Of her victories, eight are by knockout, one by submission, and ten by decision.
4. When did Yan Xiaonan make her UFC debut?
Yan Xiaonan made her UFC debut on November 25, 2017, defeating Kailin Curran via unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night: Bisping vs. Gastelum.
5. Has Yan Xiaonan won any championships in her MMA career?
No, Yan Xiaonan has not won a championship in her professional MMA career as of March 2025. She challenged for the UFC strawweight title at UFC 300 but lost to Zhang Weili via unanimous decision.
6. What are some notable wins in Yan Xiaonan’s career?
Yan Xiaonan has notable victories against Jessica Andrade via first-round TKO at UFC 288 and Mackenzie Dern via majority decision at UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Yan.
7. What is Yan Xiaonan’s current ranking in the UFC?
Yan Xiaonan is ranked #1 in the UFC women’s strawweight division and #10 in the pound-for-pound rankings.
8. Where did Yan Xiaonan train for martial arts?
Yan Xiaonan trained at Xi’an Sports University, where she practiced Sanda before transitioning to MMA under coach Zhao Xuejun in 2009.
9. Is Yan Xiaonan married?
Yes, Yan Xiaonan married Zhang Yang, a fellow professional mixed martial artist, in 2016. The couple does not have children.
10. What is Yan Xiaonan’s next fight?
Yan Xiaonan is scheduled to fight Virna Jandiroba at UFC 314 on April 12, 2025, at Kaseya Center in Miami, United States.
