During the co-main event of UFC 300, Yang Xiaonan said he was visibly dazed and unsteady when he stood up at the end of round 1, but not completely unconscious.
Xiaonan (17-4 MMA, 8-3 UFC) was caught by Weili Zhang’s rear-naked choke attempt, was saved by the bell, and then struggled to reach the corner. Referee Jason Herzog watched carefully but did not rule that the title challenger could not continue.
“I was close, but I wasn’t completely out,” Xiaonan told MMA Junkie through an interpreter on Wednesday. “I looked at the cage-side clock and saw there were only a few seconds left. I signaled to the referee, ‘Okay,’ but the choke was tight as I only defended with one hand. When the bell rang, I knew I had to stand up to show that I could continue. I stumbled, but managed to make it to the corner. ”
The unusual sequence and accompanying host excited some viewers. When Xiaonan’s cornerman pressed his finger under her nose, UFC 300 commentators Daniel Cormier and Joe Rogan mentioned the possibility of salt being used on the broadcast, but later they ultimately He revealed that he didn’t think that happened.
“He put his finger under my nose and pressed it,” Xiaonan said. “To be honest, I was so focused on what the cornerman was talking about that I didn’t notice much else. And I also asked the corner what’s the next round? .The second one? Because at that time, I couldn’t remember it at all.
For now, Xiaonan pressed the reset button. What oddsmakers listed as a likely lopsided affair turned out to be a competitive contest that earned her support from many in the MMA community, including UFC CEO Dana White.
Weili (25-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) won by unanimous decision. Although his next move is still up in the air, Xiaonan maintains his enthusiasm for his first UFC title shot.
“I will continue to train and continue to fight against the top contenders that the UFC has to offer, with the goal of competing for the title again,” Xiaonan said. “And if the UFC considers a women’s BMF belt, please include me!”
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