In August 2014, Xiong made a lightning-quick debut by submitting her opponent in 50 seconds via armbar. Her well-rounded set of skills would serve her well when she stepped into the cage for mixed martial arts competition. She fell in love with the striking art, started competing in the ring a year later, and soon left her teaching job for a full-time martial arts career.īalin studied BJJ, and eventually received her purple belt in the discipline. That changed, however, when her husband Guillermo, a lifelong martial artist, convinced her to try kickboxing in 2008. She was dedicated to her career as a kindergarten teacher, and focused on raising her two sons. In fact, the Entre Rios, Argentina resident never expressed an interest in athletics. Unlike her Chinese counterpart, Balin did not get involved in sports during her childhood. The grappling art seems to have come naturally to her, as she quickly rose to the rank of purple belt and captured a China Open BJJ Championship.Īfter she developed those skills, “The Panda” embarked on a mixed martial arts career. Soon, she represented China on the international stage.įollowing a move to Beijing, Xiong began to train in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

She was heavily influenced by her father, who encouraged her to pursue martial arts and to always challenge herself.Īlthough Xiong originally attended a sports school for weightlifting, she quit to join the women’s provincial boxing team at the age of 18. Raised in China’s Shandong province, Xiong was a free-spirited child with a taste for adventure. This Saturday, 23 June, the Chinese powerhouse will put the belt on the line against Argentinian challenger Laura “La Gladiadora” Balin (10-2) in the co-main event of ONE: PINNACLE OF POWER.Īs these two women make their final preparations for one of the biggest martial events of 2018, learn everything you need to know about this epic ONE Women’s Strawweight World Title match-up. “The Panda” Xiong Jing Nan (14-1) is ready to make her first defense of the ONE Women’s Strawweight World Championship.

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