UFC 267: Li Jingliang sends warning to Khamzat Chimaev – ‘The Leech is hungry’
- Chinese welterweight veteran faces biggest fight of his career in Abu Dhabi, against one of the UFC’s fastest-rising stars
- ‘In China there is a saying that a man only reaches his top after he turns 30. So for me, right now is my time to shine,’ says Li
It has taken Li Jingliang 14 years to get within touching distance of a top-10 ranking and the Chinese welterweight says he’s not being distracted by the fact the man standing in his way – Khamzat Chimaev – is among the most-hyped fighters the UFC has seen in recent times.
“The Leech” (18-6) steps into battle against Chechen-born Swede Chimaev (9-0) on a stacked UFC 267 card inside Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena on Saturday feeling like all roads – and every experience he’s had – have led him to this moment in time.
And, the 33-year-old says, the opportunity won’t be wasted.
“My fight won’t go to a decision,” says Li. “Leech is hungry.”
The 27-year-old Chimaev was among the sensations to emerge from a Covid-19 hit 2020. His superior wrestling and power led to two stunning wins within 10 days on “Fight Island” before another victory came in Las Vegas six weeks later – all finishes, and with less than five minutes of his time spent doing them, combined. If the rumours are to be believed, Chimaev’s growing reputation has since sent a succession of would-be opponents scurrying.