UFC
UFC 314 Miami: Yan Xiaonan and Virna Jandiroba Set for High-Stakes Strawweight Clash

The UFC has added a pivotal strawweight matchup to its upcoming UFC 314 event, as former title challenger Yan Xiaonan is set to face surging contender Virna Jandiroba on April 12, 2025, in Miami. This bout promises to have significant implications for the 115-pound division’s title picture, with both fighters looking to stake their claim for a shot at the championship.
Yan Xiaonan vs. Virna Jandiroba is in the works for #UFC314 in April.
Who wins and how?? pic.twitter.com/6DLHOzf1WO
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) January 24, 2025
A Battle of Contenders
Yan Xiaonan (19-4 MMA, 9-3 UFC) is eager to prove she’s still a force to be reckoned with in the strawweight division. The Chinese striker earned her first title shot at the historic UFC 300 event last April but fell short against her compatriot and reigning champion Zhang Weili in a unanimous decision loss. However, Yan showed her resilience by bouncing back with a decisive victory over Tabatha Ricci in November, demonstrating that she remains a top-tier competitor in the division.
Yan Xiaonan pointed to the middle of the octagon against Tabatha Ricci 👇 #UFCMacau pic.twitter.com/rc3m1xuCzH
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 23, 2024
On the other side of the Octagon, Virna Jandiroba (21-3 MMA, 7-3 UFC) brings an impressive four-fight winning streak into this high-stakes matchup. The Brazilian grappling specialist has been on a tear, notching victories over notable opponents such as Angela Hill, Marina Rodriguez, and Lupita Godinez. Jandiroba’s most recent triumph came in July when she submitted Amanda Lemos in her first UFC main event, solidifying her position as a serious title contender.
This matchup presents an intriguing stylistic clash. Yan is known for her striking prowess and ability to control the distance, while Jandiroba’s grappling skills and submission threat make her a dangerous opponent on the ground. Both fighters will need to be at their best to secure a victory and potentially earn a title shot in the competitive strawweight division.
UFC 314: Miami’s Stellar Card Takes Shape
The addition of Yan vs. Jandiroba further bolsters an already impressive UFC 314 lineup set to take place in Miami. The event marks the promotion’s return to the vibrant Florida city, promising an electrifying night of mixed martial arts action for fans in attendance and viewers around the world.
While the main event has yet to be announced, the card is already shaping up to be a must-watch affair. In a welterweight clash that’s sure to deliver fireworks, Gilbert Burns is set to face the undefeated prospect Michael Morales. Burns, a former title challenger, will be looking to use his experience and well-rounded skill set to halt the momentum of the young Ecuadorian fighter.
🚨 Gilbert Burns will fight Michael Morales on April 12th in Miami!
(per @AgFight) #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/9M6URPSrVZ
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 10, 2025
Another compelling matchup on the card features a light heavyweight bout between Nikita Krylov and Dominick Reyes[1]. Both fighters are looking to climb the ranks in the 205-pound division, and a win here could propel either man into the title conversation.
The Yan vs. Jandiroba fight adds another layer of intrigue to the event, potentially serving as a title eliminator in the strawweight division. With champion Zhang Weili’s next defense yet to be determined, the winner of this bout could very well find themselves next in line for a shot at the gold.
As the UFC 314 card continues to take shape, fight fans can expect more exciting announcements in the coming weeks. The promotion’s return to Miami is sure to be a memorable event, with the city’s vibrant atmosphere providing the perfect backdrop for a night of world-class mixed martial arts action.
With both Yan Xiaonan and Virna Jandiroba having so much at stake, their matchup has all the ingredients for a potential Fight of the Night contender. Yan will be looking to prove that she deserves another crack at the title, while Jandiroba aims to continue her impressive winning streak and secure her first UFC title shot.
As April 12 approaches, all eyes will be on Miami, where these two strawweight contenders will step into the Octagon to determine who takes the next step forward in their quest for UFC gold. With the division’s landscape constantly evolving, this fight could play a crucial role in shaping the future of the 115-pound weight class.