UFC 305: Li Jingliang vs. Carlos Prates: Live round-by-round updates
Li Jingliang returns to action following a prolonged hiatus after his loss against Daniel Rodriguez in September 2022 to take on Carlos Prates in the main card opener of the upcoming UFC 305 pay-per-view showcase. The welterweight showdown will take place on Aug. 18, 2024, at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.
The Chinese UFC veteran's recent record has been fluctuating between wins and losses, with three victories and as many setbacks in as many fights. 'The Leech' occupies the No.2 spot on the 170-pound ladder for most KO/ TKO wins. He has also collected seven post-fight bonuses that qualify his reputation as an entertaining fighter.
Prates, meanwhile, enters the fight wielding the strength of a nine-fight win streak. The Dana White's Contender Series graduate has collected a pair of stoppage wins in 2024 over Trevin Giles and Charlie Radtke. The 30-year-old posts an overall 19-6 record since he turned professional in March 2012.
The UFC 305 main card fights will go down at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT. The seven-fight preliminary showcase is expected to begin at 6:30 p.m. ET/ 3:30 p.m. PT. Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for live coverage and play-by-play updates of the Li Jingliang vs. Carlos Prates clash:
Round 1:
Jingliang and Prates try to gauge distance in opposite stances. The battle of the stance transitions to leg kick attacks from both fighters. Jingliang lands the harder kicks as he tries to open up with punches up top. Prates pressures his opponent against the fence but 'The Leech' cuts off from range well. Prates seems keen on landing the right hook as he continues to pick his spots. He has landed 87% of his attacks so far according to the UFC broadcast team. A solid shot to the body by Jingliang but Prates counters with a one-two. Prates drops Jingliang with a straight left as both fighters swing away to close an entertaining opening round.
Our Score: 10-9 Prates
Round 2:
Prates has knocked down all of his UFC opponents so far. The DWCS graduate uses his range and reach to evade incoming offense. He's mixing up his attacks now with kicks to the head and flashy combinations. A spinning back fist attempt by Jingliang. Prates cuts the range with a step in knee as both fighters engage in clinch work. Prates knocks down Jingliang again with a solid one-two that wobbles the Chinese fighter. He swarms in with stellar combinations and knocks out 'The Leech' with a thunderous left hand. What an incredible performance by the surging prospect.
Official Result: Carlos Prates defeats Li Jingliang via knockout at the 4:02 mark of the second round.