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UFC 279: Daniel Rodriguez gets split decision over Li Jingliang (Video)

By Adam Stocker

LAS VEGAS, NV - SEPTEMBER 8: Li Jingliang (L) vs. Daniel Rodriguez (R) face-off for their UFC 279 bout at the ceremonial weigh-ins on September 9, 2022, at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Amy Kaplan/Icon Sportswire)
LAS VEGAS, NV - SEPTEMBER 8: Li Jingliang (L) vs. Daniel Rodriguez (R) face-off for their UFC 279 bout at the ceremonial weigh-ins on September 9, 2022, at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Amy Kaplan/Icon Sportswire) /
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UFC 279: Daniel Rodriguez defeated Li Jingliang.

Daniel Rodriguez defeated Li Jingliang via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28), at UFC 279 on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, live from T-Mobile Arena In Las Vegas, NV.

“This is my second fight taken on 24 hours’ notice. There really is no preparation. You just go in there and handle business,” said Rodriguez. Jingliang and Rodriguez were not originally scheduled to fight at UFC 279. Jingliang was originally supposed to fight Tony Ferguson in a welterweight fight. While Rodriguez was supposed to fight Kevin Holland. After Khamzat Chimaev badly missed weight, the UFC was forced to reshuffle the UFC 279 card.

The two fighters came out throwing in the first minute. Rodriguez held a clear size advantage while Jingliang had an obvious speed advantage. The two fighters continued to trade kicks and punches throughout the round. Rodriguez landed with more power throughout the round. Near the end of the first round, Jingliang dropped Rodriguez with a leg kick.

Jingliang was more aggressive to start the second round, mixing in kicks with his strikes. Rodriguez continued to find success with his jab. Jingliang was alternating stances as he looked to confuse Rodriguez. Rodriguez landed a punch but immediately, Jingliang landed two left hands that changed the momentum. Rodriguez landed a head kick but Jingliang caught the leg on the way down and dumped him to the ground right before the horn.

Rodriguez pushed forward to start the third round. The two fighters continued to trade strikes and leg kicks. Jingliang landed a trio of punches and continued to find success with his striking in the early minutes of the round. Rodriguez landed a strong counter and started pushing forward again, continuing to find success with his jab. Rodriguez landed more than 50 jabs throughout the fight.

With his victory, Rodriguez has won four in a row and improved to 17-2. Since making his UFC debut in 2020, Rodriguez has won seven of his eight fights. Jingliang dropped to 19-8 following the loss.

dark. Next. UFC 279: Live results and highlights

UFC 279: Nate Diaz vs. Tony Ferguson takes place on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. Follow along with FanSided MMA, who is on site, for all your news and highlights.

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