What did China’s top-ranked UFC star say when he weighed into the country’s martial arts versus modern combat debate?

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) star Li “The Leech” Jingliang has called for level heads as the “martial arts versus modern combat” debate continues to rage across China, believing both sides of the argument have things to learn from each other.

“I used to train in wrestling and in Sanda – all traditional martial arts – so I think traditional martial arts can be used in modern sports, especially MMA,” said Li, who’s set to return to the Octagon at the UFC’s Fight Night in Singapore on June 17.

The issue was kicked off last month when tai chi master Wei Lei was hammered by MMA fighter Xu Xiaodong in a bout live streamed to an audience of around one million fight fans. It all lasted just 10 seconds but footage – and reaction to the result – set off a social media firestorm nationwide, with many believing Xu had insulted ancient cultural traditions held dear in China.

That led to maverick Chinese pork and soft drink peddling entrepreneur Chen Sheng offering 10 million yuan (HK$11.3m) for someone to “defend the dignity of martial arts” and to put Xu back in his place. No word yet on whether there have been any takers.