Wu Yanan (fighter)

Wu Yanan
Wu Yanan
Born	April 18, 1996 (age 30); Chaoyang, Liaoning, China
Occupation	Professional mixed martial artist
Years active	2013–present
Known for	Competing in Women's Bantamweight category in MMA; UFC fighter

Wu Yanan (born April 18, 1996) is a professional Chinese MMA athlete competing in the Women's Bantamweight category. Since turning pro in 2013, she has participated in events organized by the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Chinese Kung Fu Championships, and WLF W.A.R.S.

Background

Wu's martial arts journey began in middle school when she started training in Sanda, eventually competing at the national level. She completed her education at Xi'an Physical Education University, where she specialized in Sanda under the guidance of coach Zhao Xuejun.

Early career

Wu launched her professional MMA career in 2013 with Fighting China, securing a first-round TKO victory over Joo Young Lee.

Approximately one year later, she competed in the Chinese Kung Fu Championships (CKF 9/21), where she earned a unanimous decision win against Bo Meng, who was known for defeating Zhang Weili. Six months afterward, Wu achieved a first-round TKO over newcomer Yang Liu. In a subsequent rematch at CKF 7/7, she edged out Bo Meng via split decision. At CKF 4: Day 1, Wu submitted debut fighter Jinghuan Zhu during the opening round, marking her only fight contested at featherweight. At WLF E.P.I.C. 5, she stopped Bayarmaa Munkhgerel by TKO in round two; Bayarmaa was still seeking her initial pro victory at that time. Returning to CKF, Wu dispatched debutant Saeedeh Fardsanei with a first-round TKO.

After departing from CKF events, Wu faced seasoned competitor Yana Kunitskaya at Fightspirit Championship 6 and suffered her first professional defeat via second-round TKO just 32 seconds into the round. She bounced back with a first-round TKO win over Anjela Pink at Kunlun Fight MMA 7 and continued her momentum by defeating newcomer Zuriana Makoeva through a second-round TKO at WLF W.A.R.S. 12.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Wu made her UFC debut on November 25, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 122, where she lost by unanimous decision to Gina Mazany. Her first UFC victory came on November 24, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 141, submitting Lauren Mueller with an armbar in the opening round.

She was initially scheduled to face Luana Carolina at UFC 237 in May 2019 but withdrew due to injury. The matchup was rescheduled for UFC Fight Night 157 in August 2019; however, Carolina pulled out because of a fractured spine. Wu then competed against former DEEP Jewels champion Mizuki Inoue, missing weight by three pounds and forfeiting 30% of her fight purse. She lost that bout via split decision.

Wu was slated to fight Bethe Correia on December 5, 2020, at UFC on ESPN 19, but visa complications postponed their encounter to January 16, 2021, at UFC on ABC 1. After Correia withdrew due to appendix surgery, Wu faced UFC newcomer Joselyne Edwards, losing by unanimous decision.

In July 2021, Wu was scheduled to meet former champion Nicco Montaño at UFC on ESPN 28, but the fight was canceled after Montaño missed weight by seven pounds.

A bout against Josiane Nunes was arranged for February 26, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 202, but Wu withdrew for undisclosed reasons and was replaced by Jennifer Gonzalez.

On April 16, 2022, Wu competed against Mayra Bueno Silva at UFC on ESPN 34, losing via unanimous decision; this contest earned her the Fight of the Night accolade.

Wu faced returning veteran Lucie Pudilová on August 20, 2022, at UFC 278, where she was defeated by TKO in the second round due to ground-and-pound elbows.

In August of that year, Wu was removed from the UFC roster.

Career After UFC

Following her departure from the UFC, Wu competed against Wang Cong on January 20, 2024, at Kunlun Fight 95, where she was defeated by unanimous decision.

Titles and Recognitions

Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Fight of the Night (One occasion)

Professional Mixed Martial Arts Record

External links