Li Jingliang utilized his powerful striking to put away Zak Ottow early in front of his people at UFC Shanghai.
Li Jingliang is the flag-bearer for the UFC in China, being far and away the most successful fighter from the nation. “The Leech” is 5-2 in his Octagon career, and is riding a three-fight win streak into UFC Shanghai. The streak contains knockouts over Anton Zafir and Bobby Nash, then a great fight of the night against Frank Camacho over the Summer. Jingliang is 13-4 in his MMA career.
Zak Ottow was a former football player in the Air Force Academy, but has carved out a nice MMA career following his college days. Ottow is 15-4 in his career, with a 2-1 record in the Octagon. Although he came into the UFC with 12 finishes, that side of his game has not been seen, as all three of Ottow’s Octagon appearances have ended with a split decision.
Li Jingliang opened the action with a pair of leg kicks, to which Zak Ottow responded with an attempted head kick. Ottow landed right hand around the guard of Jingliang, then ate one from his opponent.
A high kick was caught by Jingliang but couldn’t land anything of note though, and Ottow landed a two-punch combination. Jingliang landed a clean right, then a left during an exchange. A beautiful right straight landed for Zak Ottow and he was floored. Li Jinglian pounced and punched like a mad man until Herb Dean was forced to pull him off.
The home crowd exploded for Jingliang as he ran out of the cage and right to his family in the crowd to celebrate.
Jingliang claimed he’ll be on his way to the title with more performances like this one.
Li Jingliang def. Zak Ottow by TKO (Right Straight and Punches) in Round 1 (2:57)
