Breaking - Li Jingliang and Michael Chiesa are set to face off at UFC 287 on April 8
Michael Chiesa will look to bounce back from his two-fight skid when he collides with the dangerous Li Jingliang in a welterweight brawl at UFC 287 in Brooklyn, New York, on April 8.
'The Leech' has had some mixed results inside the octagon as of late, but will likely be incredibly disappointed not to get his hands raised last time out in a razor-close fight against Daniel Rodriguez. Having to swap opponents on short notice, the China native felt he did enough, but wasn't given the nod from the judges.
As announced earlier today, Li Jingliang will test his destructive knockout power against the grappling wizardry of Michael Chiesa when the two meet in the middle of the cage in two months' time.
Michael Chiesa will fight Li Jingliang at #UFC287 on April 8th. (first rep. @MikeMav22) #UFC #MMA #UFCESPN #UFC2023 https://t.co/tq0B5PIPW2
Currently ranked at #15 in the division, Jingliang is hoping to push forward in his pursuit of gold and will have a huge chance at jumping just outside the top 10 when he battles it out with Chiesa on April 8.
Despite being less than impressive recently, 'Maverick' has shown he is capable of hanging with some of the world's best and has big wins on his record. A decision victory over former lightweight champion Rafael Dos Anjos and a rear-naked choke submission against Beneil Dariush are just some of his huge performances.
With 25% of his defeats coming by way of submission, Li Jingliang will have a tough time navigating the ground game if the 170lbers exchange in grappling, as we have seen multiple times throughout his career.
Michael Chiesa vs. Li Jingliang and other big fights at UFC 287
Alongside a high-profile welterweight bout between two likable athletes in Michael Chiesa and Li Jingliang, UFC 287 will showcase some brilliant matchups and will be headlined by an eagerly-awaited title fight.
On April 8, newly crowned middleweight king Alex Pereira will offer Israel Adesanya another chance to beat him as the pair meet for their fourth war in combat sports, in what promises to be another fireworks spectacle.
Jorge Masvidal will make his first octagon appearance since becoming embroiled in controversial events outside the cage when he locks horns with a hungry Gilbert Burns who is desperately making a push toward a title shot.
Alongside the fantastic fights, Kevin Holland faces Santiago Ponzinibbio, exciting prospect Raul Rosas Jr. will be in action, and a heavy-hitting affair that could steal the show commences when Kelvin Gastelum takes on Chris Curtis.