Xiaonan vs Esparza UFC prediction and betting pick
PREDICTION: Xiaonan to win (-124) - With contrasting styles between the two fighters this will likely come down to where the majority of this bout takes place.
Esparza is the superior wrestler but won't find it easy to get her hands on Xiaonan, who has excellent speed, does a great job of fighting at range, and has strong takedown defense.
Even when Esparza does get takedowns, she doesn't do much besides lie down on her opponents. That doesn't impress judges and Esparza's last two victories came by split-decision while her previous win came by majority decision.