Xiong Jing Nan Has Huge Goals For 2019

In 2018, “The Panda” Xiong Jing Nan became a breakout star in ONE Championship.

From her title-winning opener in January to her remarkable knockout of Samara “Marituba” Santos in September, the ONE Women’s Strawweight World Champion was absolutely dominant.

She posted an immaculate 3-0 slate in the world’s largest martial arts organization, all while setting the tone for her division.

However, this is no time for “The Panda” to slow down or lean on her accomplishments.

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Xiong has maintained a busy training schedule through the holiday period to enter 2019 firing, as she will defend her coveted title against atomweight queen “Unstoppable” Angela Lee at ONE: A NEW ERA in Tokyo, Japan on Sunday, 31 March.

“I have been working hard,” says the 30-year-old, who was originally scheduled to face Lee at ONE: HEART OF THE LION in November.

“It’s a pity, because I was in my best condition for the last match, but they say that good things take time. I will be better for the next time.”

Xiong made history when she defeated Tiffany “No Chill” Teo at ONE: KINGS OF COURAGE in January 2018 to become China’s first mixed martial arts World Champion.

Now, a year removed from that landmark accomplishment, there are some new goals she wants to accomplish.

The new year offers fresh motivation for “The Panda.”

She wants to raise the bar and build on the success she has already achieved in The Home Of Martial Arts and its bustling women’s strawweight division.

Additionally, she wants to continue evolving as a martial artist and cultivate her talent.

“I hope to compete as much as I can,” she reveals.

“I don’t think too much about who I will face. Every fighter [in the weight class] has something I can learn from.”

For all she hopes to accomplish inside the cage, “The Panda” has aspirations outside of it, too.

She has traveled throughout Asia to train at the world’s best gyms and prepare for her bouts. This has forced her to lead a nomadic lifestyle, mostly away from her loved ones.

Xiong’s career has taken precedence, but now she is thinking about converting her success into stability this year.

“I hope I can get a house of my own, and I want to be good to my parents and family,” she says. “I want to help them live a happy life.”

The Chinese pioneer will lead from the front again in 2019, now with a bigger fanbase and a worldwide platform. Through her humble actions and performances in the cage, Xiong wishes to play her part in inspiring others.

“I hope that, no matter what happens, people don’t give up,” she says. “Follow your dreams and do the best with what you have.”