Jessica Andrade is looking to make her mark in the strawweight division once again, aiming to secure a title shot against Zhang Weili by dismantling Yan Xiaonan at UFC 288. Having moved between weight classes in the past, the former UFC champion is now focused on staying at 115 pounds for good.
With a renewed focus on her Muay Thai skills, Andrade is bringing a sharper set of tools to the fight, including elbows and knees that she hopes will tear Xiaonan apart. While her plan is to stand and trade, Andrade is conscious of her jiu-jitsu and timing with her takedowns, making her a more complete athlete than ever before.
Xiaonan’s unique style, Andrade believes her speed and heavy kicks give her an edge. With Zhang Weili still without a fight booked, Andrade sees a win over Xiaonan as her opportunity to ask for a title shot and earn the chance to win back her UFC belt.