Chinese light heavyweight Liu Ce was just 3-1 as a pro coming into UFC Shanghai, where he was making his professional debut against Levi Rodrigues Jr.
Despite his minimal experience as a pro, however, Ce was still getting main card billing, against Brazil’s Rodrigues, who had dropped his own promotional debut last time out.
Ce held center early, with both men bouncing on their feet. Ce fired a crisp, clean calf kick, with the pair later engaging in a blisteringly fast exchange. Lots of speed on display from the two big men, and plenty of power as well. Ce went to the body with a kick, while Rodrigues fired back with his hands. Both men were swinging wild and forcing the other to retreat in a back-and-forth opening 90 seconds.
Rodrigues would catch a kick after that, pushing Ce to the fence and looking for a takedown about two minutes in. Ce’s takedown defense appeared solid, as he fought off the initial attempt. Ce reversed, and there was another ferocious exchange as they came off the cage. Moments later, Ce dropped Rodrigues, and while the Brazilian got back up, he looked unsteady on his feet. Moments later, Ce tagged him again, before hemming him in against the fence and unloading with punches and knees in the clinch! Rodrigues covered up, and somehow, miraculously, survived. They moved to the other side of the cage, Ce unloading another offensive volley, before connecting clean with a right hand that left Levi Rodrigues Jr. face down on the mat. Welcome to the UFC Liu Ce!
Official Result: Liu Ce def. Levi Rodrigues Jr by knockout (punch), Round 1, 4:26
