On the main card of UFC 267, we saw the return of one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory. Khamzat Chimaev (9-0) was making his highly anticipated return as he took on “The Leech” Li Jingliang (18-6).
Li is ranked 11th in the welterweight division while Chimaev sits just outside the top fifteen. However, Li was a massive underdog. Granted, that’s not a spot that Li is uncomfortable with as he was a decent underdog in his last fight.
As mentioned, Khamzat Chimaev has a ton of hype behind him after what he did in 2020. The Chechen made his debut on Fight Island last year and won three fights in three months. All by stoppage. The UFC then booked him against Leon Edwards, but COVID got in the way.
Chimaev had a terrible battle with COVID and at one point, he thought he was going to have to retire. However, the UFC got him the care he needed and he’s back and ready to take on one of the toughest contenders in the division.
UFC 267 Recap
Round 1
The UFC 267 welterweight contest kicked off with immediate pressure from Chimaev. Chimaev has beautiful timing and he gets a body lock on Li. He picked up Li and talks to Dana White as he slams The Leech to the ground.
Chimaev circles to the back of Li and is heavy on the pressure. Li tries to get up along the fence, but Chimaev drags him right back down. Heavy back pressure here from Chimaev who is landing some nice shots along the fence on Li.
Chimaev settling in here on the back of Li as he continues to land shots. Big shots land for Chimaev who is completely dominating Li here in the first round. Chimaev gets full back mount and flattens out Li.
Huge shots land for Chimaev and Chimaev locks in a rear naked choke. Li defends well at first but Chimaev switches it up and locks it in deep. Li goes to sleep and Chimaev looks unstoppable after UFC 267.
Khamzat Chimaev def. Li Jingliang by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) – Round 1