Li Jingliang stops Ponzinibbio with one punch KO

The UFC first event of the new year will make history on “Fight Island” today, Saturday, Jan. 16.

A battle between the former featherweight king Max Holloway and rising contender Calvin Kattar serves as the headliner of UFC on ABC 1. It is the promotion’s first card to air on the ABC network.

The co-main event features a contest between two long-time UFC welterweights as Carlos Condit faces Matt Brown.

Santiago Ponzinibbio took on Li Jingliang in a welterweight bout. Ponzinibbio made his first walk to the octagon since November of 2018 where he knocked out Neil Magny in the 4th round of their main event bout. Following the win over Magney, Ponzinibbio was scheduled to face Robbie Lawler until a staph infection forced him on the sidelines. Finally, ready to continue the momentum of his 7 fight win streak against, his night was derailed at the hands of his opponent, Li Jingliang.

Li Jingliang ame into this bout off a loss to Neil Magny in early 2020. He was scheduled to face Dwight Grant at UFC 256. Unfortunately, the bout was scrapped due to Grant testing positive for Covid-19. Jingliang vs Ponzinibbio was anticipated to be either an early night or a slugfest and it didn’t disappoint!

Here is how the welterweight bout between Santiago Ponzinibbio and Li Jingliang played out at UFC Fight Night: Holloway vs. Kattar.

Round 1: The fighters touch hands to start the contest. Both fighters know to respect the other’s power, leading to a lengthy feeling-out process. Jingliang picks up his pace, staying active, and constantly moving while touching Ponzinibbio and scoring. Ponzinibbio pressures with a barrage looking to get into the fight. Jingliang stays in the pocket, Ponzinibbio misses a right hand that Jingliang capitalizes on coming overtop with a left hand, connecting flush to the chin. Ponzinibbio crashes to the canvas and Jingliang serves up one for good measure as the referee stops the action.

Official Result: Li “The Leech” Jingliang defeats Santiago Ponzinibbio via KO. 4:25 into round 1.

Adam Crist

Currently studying Broadcast Journalism at Wilmington University, Adam’s passion for the sport only grows stronger when a fighter’s voice can be heard. He thrives on asking detailed questions to inspire the thoughts behind the punches in hopes that each fighter can find their proper justice. Specializing in pre and post fight interviews for MyMMANews, Adam strives to keep the fight fans up to speed with the most recent and authentic MMA news possible. He is Co-promoter of Delaware’s premier kick-boxing and Muay Thai organization, IBF Promotions. Recently he has also accompanied MMA organizations Global Proving Ground and XCC as Co-host and ringside commentator.

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