The Road to UFC 3 tournament wrapped up at UFC Macau on Saturday, with women’s strawweights Shi Ming and Feng Xiaocan looking to earn a UFC contract in the 115lb finale.
Shi Ming, a practicing physician, had managed to keep her fighting career on the down low, with her patients unaware of her MMA pursuits. Ming’s family, meanwhile, somehow believed she was in a traditional martial arts tournament, rather than fighting for a UFC deal. A rather quirky subplot to a fight key to the careers of both ladies.
Shi Ming opened the fight with a kick, targeting the body, and following it up with another aimed at Xiaocan’s lead leg. Another kick to the midsection followed; Xiaocan answered back with a couple of her own. Xiaocan towered over the much smaller Ming, who was going to have to find a way inside against the longer, taller fighter.
The first takedown of the fight found Xiaocan take the back of Shi Ming, who fought the hands and eventually worked her way back up, just over a minute still on the clock.
Round two saw the action slow a step, with single strikes traded, activity dipping particularly on the part of Ming, who continued to struggle to find a way inside. At times, she put herself out of position, but in the final minute, closed the distance, tying up. Shi Ming struggled to land a takedown, with Xiaocan reversing briefly, and most importantly for her, keeping the fight standing.
Shi Ming absolutely erupted in the third, connecting with a head kick that floored Xiaocan instantly! A follow up punch was barely necessary and Ming had captured the Road to UFC 3 strawweight crown with a highlight-reel, come-from-behind KO. Feng Xioacan, meanwhile, was removed from the octagon via stretcher with her head immobilized, though she was awake and communicating.
Speaking with Michael Bisping after the fight, Ming admitted she was concerned about Xiaocan’s condition and added her best wishes. The then admitted that in the past, she hadn’t been aggressive enough. “I think I’m going to be a dangerous girl in the future, and good luck to my opponent,” she stated.
Official Result: Shi Ming def. Feng Xiaocan by KO (headkick), Round 3, 0:46
Correction: Shi Ming, not Feng Xiaocan, is a practicing physician. The article has been updated to reflect this.
