UFC: All you need to know about Mackenzie Dern vs Xiaonan Yan

bet365 News Team Updated: 11 May 23 10:28 Published: 20 Sep 22 12:41

Strawweight rivals Mackenzie Dern and Xiaonan Yan go to war in the main event at the UFC Apex on 2nd October.

The strawweight division is bursting with talent with Dern and Yan both potential future title contenders, although a loss on 2nd October would prove to be a major setback.

Carla Esparza holds the title, having beaten Rose Namajunas at UFC 274 and she's set to make her first defence against Zhang Weili at UFC 281.

What	Mackenzie Dern vs Xiaonan Yan - UFC Vegas 61
Where	UFC Apex, Enterprise, Nevada, USA
When	00:00, Sunday 2nd October 2022
How to watch	BT Sport 1
Odds	Mackenzie Dern 5/11, Xiaonan Yan 9/5

Dern or Yan, ranked #5 and #6 respectively, could be next in line for a shot at the belt if they put on a convincing performance at the UFC Apex, however, it's likely they would need to prove themselves on one more occasion before getting to challenge for the title.

American Dern is 5/11 to have her arm raised as she attempts to build momentum following a decision victory over #7 Tecia Torres at UFC 273. The 29-year-old Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist has picked up seven of her 12 victories via submission and is a major threat on the mat.

Yan, priced at 9/5, is riding a two-fight losing streak after suffering defeats to Esparza, who now holds the belt, and #3 Marina Rodriguez.

Those losses suggest Yan can't quite cut it with the best in the division and a third successive loss would end any hope of a title bout in the near future.

When is Mackenzie Dern vs Xiaonan Yan - UFC Vegas 61?

Mackenzie Dern vs Xiaonan Yan - UFC Vegas 61 is set to take place on Sunday 2nd October.

What time is Mackenzie Dern vs Xiaonan Yan - UFC Vegas 61?

The preliminary card is scheduled to start at 00:00 and the main card beings at 02:00 with Dern and Yan set to make their walk to the cage at around 05:00.

Where is Mackenzie Dern vs Xiaonan Yan - UFC Vegas 61?

The UFC Apex in Nevada plays host to the card.

Can I watch Mackenzie Dern vs Xiaonan Yan - UFC Vegas 61?

Yes. The preliminary card and the main card are both available to watch on BT Sport 1.

Who is the favourite at Mackenzie Dern vs Xiaonan Yan - UFC Vegas 61?

#5 ranked Dern is the 5/11 favourite as she looks to pick up a second successive victory.

Yan, who is ranked #6, is the 9/5 underdog after losing her last two fights.

Are there any belts on the line at Mackenzie Dern vs Xiaonan Yan - UFC Vegas 61?

No. There aren't any belts on the line at UFC Vegas 61 but the winner could put themselves in a position to challenge for the strawweight title in 2023.