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2020 was a year rich with new experiences for everyone around the world. Despite her status as an already historic figure and champion, that was magnified for "The Panda" Xiong Jing Nan.
As ONE Championship 125-pound strawweight champion and China's first-ever major MMA world champion, Xiong entered this past year coming off of only her second career loss in 17 outings. The 2019 defeat came in her epic champion vs. champion rematch with ONE atomweight titleholder Angela Lee where Xiong attempted to become a dual-division champion.
"2020 was an unforgettable, very difficult year," Xiong told MyMMANews. "Though it was hard, I got more me-time than ever. I thought deeply about everything – happy or sad, up and down. So it's really helped me grow, actually.
"I had pressure not only from the Angela Lee [rematch] but pressure from every fight I'm in. Because I always want to be the best one in ONE Championship so yes, I think I had to rebound. That fight I lost to Angela, I think I could have done better to make sure I don't have any regrets in any next event. I've been training very, very hard every day since then. I come in good shape and make myself mentally strong as well. I'm looking forward not only to battle Angela Lee again but compete against other talents in the world. Because I love a challenge – especially a tough one."
Continued: Xiong Jing Nan far from done making history, promises 'upgraded Panda'