UFC 279: Li Jingliang “inspired” by loss to Khamzat Chimaev.
Li Jingliang is motivated and ready to step into the Octagon against Tony Ferguson in the co-main event on Saturday night at UFC 279.
In the past couple of weeks, the official trailer for UFC 279, named “Seek & Destroy” has replayed the highlight of Jingliang’s previous loss against Khamzat Chimaev ending in the first round due to a rear-naked choke. Since Chimaev is headlining, during media day Jingliang was asked about any frustration during fight week having to rewatch that highlight.
Jingliang says, “No. It inspired me,” through a translator.
He says he is happy for Chimaev, and this is part of the sport. From the loss, he learned about those “who will judge you and those who truly support you.”
Li Jingliang’s ‘Kill or be Killed’ mentality is still in tact
The loss did not change Jingliang’s “Kill or be Killed” mentality. Instead, he learned from the loss and is moving forward prepared to showcase his skills against the diverse Tony Ferguson.
It shocked most, including Jingliang himself when the fight against Ferguson was announced.
“Surprised. I was shocked,” he said. “Same as all of you guys. My first reaction was, do they want me to jump down to 155? They said no, Tony will come to 170. And I said okay.”
Though It has been over a decade since Ferguson has been in the welterweight division, Jingliang believes that he will perform better at 170 because he does not have to cut weight.
Jingliang has greatly respected Ferguson for his athletic skills, acknowledging that “every part of his body can be a weapon.”
However, Jingliang also believes he will have a strength advantage over Ferguson, giving credit to his intense strength and conditioning and comfortability fighting at 170 pounds.
All though Ferguson is coming in as the underdog for this fight, there is no underestimation from Jiliang on Ferguson’s memorable fight performances and capabilities to be a problem for him. Both fighters are ready to be locked in the cage, while critics and fans are wondering who will be the welterweight warrior.