UFC on ABC 3 kept producing one spectacular performance after the other. One of the best was the welterweight showcase between Li Jingliang and Muslim Salikhov, which produced a chaotic knockout. The Leech found a spot for a brutal right hand and won the fight via second-round knockout.
Official Result: Li Jingliang wins via T/KO 4:38 Round 2 (Right Cross to Ground Strikes).
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The Sanda specialist now improved to a 19-7 MMA record. Whereas, his counterpart, who is a Sanshou practitioner, now moves to an 18-3 overall MMA record.
The Chinese fighter bounced back after losing a lopsided contest against Khamzat Chimaev in his prior fight. Whereas, this result halted the five-fight win streak of the King of Kung Fu.
The Leech reacted to his tough win in the post-fight interview. He got emotional as he made a strong comeback after a crushing defeat.
"It's my super pleasure fighting him. I couldn't believe it." – Li Jingiang on facing off against Wushu Sanda champ Muslim Salikhov. #UFCLongIsland
— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) July 16, 2022
This marked the 8th finish win for The Leech in the welterweight division. Thus, the China Top Team standout remains the top fighter to represent his country in the promotion of the men’s division.
Zhang Weili remains the most successful Chinese fighter winning the UFC title in her home country. She also defended the title once in a Fight of the Year bout.
Anyhow, for The Leech, it was a much-needed win. That said, the UFC did him no favor when they put him against the Berkut FC athlete with a solid five-fight winning momentum. Yet, it didn’t deter the Chinese athlete’s confidence who eventually found the home for his power right.
The MMA world reacted to The Leech’s KO win at UFC on ABC 3
Fight fans were happy to see the Chinese athlete getting a win after the brutal defeat to ‘Borz‘. Besides, they were shocked to see the Russian fighter lose.
The Leech! #UFCLongIsland
— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) July 16, 2022
Nice finish for the Leech 👏🏽#UFCLongIsland
— BRYAN BARBERENA (@bryan_barberena) July 16, 2022
THE LEECH .. back to suckin life outta his opponents 👊🏻🇨🇦👊🏻#UFCLongIsland #MMA
— steve jeffs (@steves_simpson) July 16, 2022
Beautiful finish by Li the Leech #UFCLongIsland
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) July 16, 2022
The Leech came back from losing to Khamzat Chimaev and SLUMPED a dangerous striker. Imagine what Gilbert Burns gonna do to the next guy. #UFCLongIsland
— MacMally🍀 (@MacMallyMMA) July 16, 2022
.@ufc give everyone who got a finish 50k again please 🙏🏻
— Alex Behunin (@AlexBehunin) July 16, 2022
THE LEECH GETS THE TKO OVER THE SULTAN OF SPIN!! #UFCLongIsland
— MMA On Point (@OnPointMMA) July 16, 2022
Leech isn't done yet! 💥
[ @UFCJingliang | #UFCLongIsland ] pic.twitter.com/hJktpnaBuz— UFC (@ufc) July 16, 2022
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Even after the bout, the 34-year-old wasn’t done showcasing his martial arts skills as he tossed around his team inside the Octagon in a friendly showing.
The win helped The Leech secure his standings in the welterweight division. Besides, it sends a warning to his future opponents that one can’t stand with him since he carries the neutralizer in his right hand.
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What do you make of Li Jingliang’s win at UFC on ABC 3? What’s next for Muslim Salikhov? Who should The Leech face next? Share your opinion in the comments section below.