Yan sticking to master plan

Rising UFC star eyeing all-Chinese title fight with world champ Zhang

Yan Xiaonan has her sights firmly set on going all the way to the top of the Ultimate Fighting Championship－but that could mean needing to dethrone the world champion compatriot she counts as an inspiration.

Fighting in the strawweight division ruled by Zhang Weili, Yan's route to that possible all-Chinese title showdown has been delayed by the postponement of her next bout against Brazilian grappler Claudia Gadelha.

Originally set to take on Gadelha (18-4) in Abu Dhabi on Sept 26, Yan (12-1) now has to wait around another two months in the United States, amid COVID-19 risks, for the matchup. After landing in Las Vegas last week, Yan learned that Gadelha had sustained a left-knee injury, with the fight now scheduled for Nov 7 at an as-yet-undecided location.