“Pioneer in the sport” – Li Jingliang shows respect to Tony Ferguson ahead of their fight at UFC 279
Follow Us
Since its existence, the UFC has seen many warriors step into the octagon. While the promotion has been a battleground to some of the toughest fighters in the world, the octagon will see another savage when Tony Ferguson takes on Chinese UFC welterweight Li Jingliang.
This bout between Li Jingliang and Tony Ferguson was highly unexpected as the latter usually competes at the lightweight division. However, this fight against the Chinese marks the beginning at welterweight for Ferguson. Going into the bout, Li Jingliang has experienced mixed form. The 170-pound fighter has marked a record of 3-2 in his last five fights. While the record may not be something to boast about, Jinglian put up an amazing performance against Muslim Salikhov at UFC: Ortega vs Rodriguez. Displaying his beautiful and crafty striking, the Chinese stopped Salikhov in round 2.
Through his fights in the octagon, it has been established that Li Jingliang is a hard hitter. Possessing a wicked knockout power, Jingliang can be a problem for anyone at 170. While he also has momentum going into the fight, the same cannot be said about Tony Ferguson. But, Li Jingliang still does not take ‘El Cucuy’ lightly.
Li Jingliang believes Tony Ferguson should not be underestimated and shows massive respect towards him
At one point, Tony Ferguson seemed to be unbeatable in his UFC career. Once enjoying an unbeaten streak of 12-fights, Ferguson saw a slump in form when he faced a loss to Justin Gaethje. Since then, ‘El Cucuy’ faced three more losses to Charles Oliveira, Beneil Dariush, and Michael Chandler consecutively.
Riding on a 4-fight losing streak, many believe Ferguson’s best days are behind him. However, one man who does not agree to the same is Ferguson’s opponent Li Jingliang. Addressing the greatness of ‘El Cucuy,’ Jingliang in an interview said, “For the people who say it like that – Tony Ferguson four times in row, never fought at welterweight, you forget who he is. He is Tony Ferguson.”
Further highlighting his achievements in the octagon, the Chinese added, “You forgot all those people whose face got cut by Tony Ferguson. Amazing fighters were choked by him… You shouldn’t forget fighters like Tony who is a pioneer in the sport. You should give him respect.”
Also Read: “Be Sharp” Tony Ferguson looks in incredible shape with his new hairstyle
It is heartwarming to see Li Jingliang have such high regard for Tony Ferguson. Regardless of the opinion people have of ‘El Cucuy,’ fans can most likely expect a war at UFC 279. Do you think Li Jingliang will secure a victory? Or will Ferguson end a 4-fight losing streak against the Chinese? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Also Read: “Did he wise up?“- Tony Ferguson takes a veiled dig at Khabib Nurmagomedov and Ali Abdelazi
Stay Updated!
/techfirstnow/media/agency_attachments/kATjCXskQdJKkXN0OuqW.png)