UFC Fight Night 188 results: Carla Esparza mauls Yan Xiaonan, calls for next title shot

Carla Esparza’s performance at UFC Fight Night 188 was as good as it gets.

The former strawweight champion stopped Yan Xiaonan in dominant fashion in the co-main event of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 188 in Las Vegas. Esparza (18-6 MMA, 9-4 UFC) defeated Xiaonan (13-2 MMA, 6-1 UFC) by second-round TKO at the 2:58 mark.

It was one of the most impressive showings in Esparza’s career.

The 33-year-old Esparza took down Xiaonan early in the first round and didn’t let her back up until the bell rang. Esparza maintained dominant positions and landed heavy ground-and-pound that split Xiaonan’s forehead open.

The second round was no different. “The Cookie Monster” took down Xiaonan again early in the round, worked her way to the crucifix position, and didn’t stop landing punches and elbows. Bloodied and unable to escape, Xiaonan gave the referee no option but to stop the fight.

Esparza was flawless in ending Xiaonan’s six-fight wining streak and her unbeaten run in the promotion. Esparza now settles herself as a top contender in the division, if not the top. She’s on a five-fight wining streak over notable names such as Virna Jandiroba, Alexa Grasso, Michelle Waterson, Marina Rodriguez, and now Xiaonan.

Esparza, who has a win over current champion Rose Namajunas, called for a tile shot in her post-fight interview.

“I want a chance to fight for that title,” Esparza said. “I think that’s an intriguing fight. It’s a fight that everyone wants to see. Come on Dana, let’s make it happen.”

Up-to-the-minute UFC Fight Night 188 results include:

• Carla Esparza def. Yan Xiaonan via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 2:58
• Jared Vanderaa def. Justin Tafa via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
• Norma Dumont def. Felicia Spencer via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
• Ricardo Ramos def. Bill Algeo via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
• Jack Hermansson def. Edmen Shahbazyan via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)
• Ben Rothwell def. Chris Barnett via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 2, 2:07
• Court McGee def. Claudio Silva via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 29-27)
• Bruno Silva def. Victor Rodriguez via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 1:00
• Josh Culibao def. Shayilan Nuerdanbieke via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• David Dvorak def. Juancamilo Ronderos via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 2:18
• Damir Ismagulov def. Rafael Alves via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)