WATCH: Li Jingliang gets “ROBBED” after controversial decision loss to 10 lbs heavier Daniel Rodriguez

WATCH: Li Jingliang gets “ROBBED” after controversial decision loss to 10 lbs heavier Daniel Rodriguez

Li Jingliang and Daniel Rodriguez

This is the fight everyone has been looking forward to. Li Jingliang, the hero of this UFC 279 pay-per-view card steps into the octagon against an opponent that he was not prepared for. The Chinese fighter takes on Daniel Rodriguez, who weighs 10 pounds heavier than him.

Any amount of appreciation for Li Jingliang won’t suffice for the sacrifices he has made leading up to the UFC 279 pay-per-view event. The fighter was initially scheduled to fight legendary Tony Ferguson in a co-main event fight but was later asked to switch opponents following a weigh-in mishap from the former headliner of the card, Khamzat Chimaev. Despite all the troubles Jingliang had to face during fight week, The Leech generously agreed to fight Rodriguez in an impromptu three-round fight.

The Leech is coming off a win in July and will now go into the fight against D-Rod who weighs 180 pounds. Fans are undoubtedly rooting for the Leech for his heart. His fight against D-Rod won’t be easy though. Rodriguez has been in the UFC for only 2 years and already has 7 fights under his belt.

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Rodriguez is 6-1 in the UFC and is coming back to the octagon after a year hiatus. Rodriguez was scheduled to fight Kevin Holland, originally but will now take on The Leech in an exciting battle. Fans and Pros alike would be cheering for a Leech victory and wish he gets the reward he deserves after the UFC 279 fight!

Related: “More GANGSTER than all of them” – Fans shower love to Li Jingliang after he agrees to fight opponent 10 pounds heavier than him

D-Rod and Li Jingliang go the distance at UFC 279

Li Jingliang Daniel Rodriguez
Li Jingliang and Daniel Rodriguez during face-offs

Round 1: D-Rod with a nice jab against The Leech. Rodriguez looks way bigger than Li. The Leech stays busy by closing the distance and landing body kicks against D-Rod. Nice combo from Leech to end it with a body kick. Amazing kicks from The Leech to end the round.

Round 2: Leech clearly has the advantage of speed but Rodriguez maintains the distance to avoid getting clipped. Stick and Move is Rodriguez’s mantra for the fight so far. The Leech looking for the haymaker. Li Jingliang not slowing down with his low kicks. Huge right hand for The Leech and hurts D-Rod.

Also read: WATCH! Khamzat Chimaev and ‘The Leech’ share a respectful moment during the first meeting since their fight at UFC 267

Round 3: Both the fighters once again looking for the big finish but Leech and D-Rod are way too technical to compromise their distance. Nice check hook from Jingliang. Surprised D-Rod hasn’t used his weight advantage to take down the Leech. Great head movement from the Chinese fighter.

Results: Daniel Rodriguez def. Li Jingliang via split decision

Also read: “He’s back” – Johnny Walker bounces back with amazing win against Ion Cutelaba at UFC 279