Li Jingliang

Li Jingliang: The Chinese Knockout Specialist in the UFC Welterweight Division

Li "The Leech" Jingliang, born on March 20, 1988 in Tacheng, Xinjiang, China, is a Chinese mixed martial artist (MMA) who competes in the UFC welterweight division. Li is one of the most prominent Chinese fighters in the UFC and is known for his powerful striking, toughness, and ability to finish fights early with knockouts. With his impressive performances and constant improvement, Li has established himself as a respected name in the welterweight division.

Early Life and Career

Li Jingliang grew up in a rural area in China where he was exposed to martial arts at a young age. He started training in sanda (a Chinese martial art) and wrestling before transitioning to MMA. Li later moved to Beijing to pursue his MMA career and began fighting in regional promotions such as Legend Fighting Championship in Asia. His strong performances on the regional circuit caught the attention of the UFC.

Li made his UFC debut in 2014 at UFC 173, where he defeated David Michaud via split decision. This victory marked the beginning of his career in the UFC and his emergence as one of the most talented Chinese fighters in the organization.

UFC Career

Li Jingliang has established himself as one of the most exciting fighters in the welterweight division thanks to his powerful knockouts and aggressive fighting style. He has a number of impressive victories, including a knockout of Zak Ottow in 2018 at UFC Fight Night 122 in his native China.

In August 2020, Li secured one of the most memorable wins of his career by knocking out seasoned veteran Santiago Ponzinibbio at UFC on ABC 1. The performance earned him the Performance of the Night bonus and cemented his status as a serious force in the welterweight division.

Despite suffering setbacks against top contenders such as Khamzat Chimaev in October 2021, Li remained determined to continue his progression and prove that he belongs among the division’s elite. He returned strong with an impressive TKO victory over Muslim Salikhov in July 2022 at UFC on ABC 3.

Style and Technique

Li Jingliang is known for his aggressive and powerful fighting style. He is an excellent striker with strong boxing skills and powerful kicks. Li's greatest strength lies in his ability to force knockouts, often by pressuring and overwhelming his opponents with hard combinations.

In addition to his striking, Li also has a solid ground game, with a background in wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He uses his grappling to control fights and has a number of submission wins to his name. His versatility makes him dangerous both on the stand and on the ground.

Future Ambitions

Li Jingliang remains focused on his rise in the UFC welterweight division. His goal is to break through to the top of the division and eventually challenge for the UFC welterweight title. With his knockout power and determination, Li has the potential to continue to break through to bigger opportunities in the future.

Conclusion

Li Jingliang is a powerful and exciting fighter in the UFC welterweight division, known for his impressive knockouts and aggressive fighting style. His performances have established him as one of the most respected fighters from China, and as he continues to grow as a fighter, Li remains a constant threat to anyone in the division. His determination to keep performing and his constant improvement make him a name to watch for the future of the UFC.