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UFC 300: Zhang Weili wins historic all-China bout in co-main event, Conor McGregor comeback announced

  • Mixed martial arts promotion stages first title bout between two Chinese fighters, as Zhang defeats Yan Xiaonan
  • Conor McGregor to make long-awaited comeback, UFC president Dana White says

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Zhang Weili punches Yan Xiaonan during their strawweight championship fight in Las Vegas. Photo: Getty Images via AFP

Zhang Weili of China lands a punch on her compatriot Yan Xiaonan during their strawweight championship title fight at UFC 300 in Las Vegas.

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The pair were making Ultimate Fighting Championship history as the mixed martial arts promotion staged its first title bout featuring two fighters from China.

Featured as the co-main event at T-Mobile Arena, the all-Chinese affair ended with Zhang successfully defending her crown for a second time.

Zhang Weili takes aim at a prone Yan Xiaonan at T-Mobile Arena. Photo: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Zhang Weili takes aim at a prone Yan Xiaonan at T-Mobile Arena. Photo: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

The Hebei-born champion went close to choking out her opponent at the end of the first round.

But No 1 challenger Yan, from Liaoning, recovered and managed to take the fight the full five-round distance.

Zhang took victory by unanimous decision, with each judge scoring the fight 49-45.

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Meanwhile, Conor McGregor is set to make a long-awaited return to UFC, almost three years after the Irishman suffered a broken leg during the first round of his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier. He has not fought since.

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