Who is Wang Cong? UFC Vegas 96 debutant with kickboxing win over Valentina Shevchenko wins fans' hearts with record-breaking victory
Wang Cong made a statement in her UFC debut at UFC Vegas 96, earning a stunning knockout victory over Victoria Leonardo. The 62-second finish not only secured Cong a win but also broke records.
She impressed fellow fighters and fans alike, sparking comparisons with the likes of Alex Pereira and Conor McGregor. Before her foray into MMA, she established herself in kickboxing as well.
Who is Wang Cong?
Wang Cong is a Chinese mixed martial artist with an impressive kickboxing background, who made a stunning debut at UFC Vegas 96. In only 62 seconds, she delivered a devastating knockout to veteran Victoria Leonardo, earning the fastest debut finish in UFC women's flyweight history.
Before her UFC stint, Cong had already made a name for herself in the kickboxing world. She clinched the Kunlun Fight Women's Lightweight Championship and won the Kunlun Fight 2018 Legend of Mulan Tournament.
Cong's amateur credentials are equally impressive, including a gold medal in Sanda at the 2013 World Wushu Championships and another gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games. In 2019, she even secured a silver medal in amateur boxing at the World Championships.
Cong's transition to MMA has been seamless. She has won her last four fights, including a victory over UFC veteran Wu Yanan and a submission win over Paula Luna to earn her UFC contract.
Cong's performance at UFC Vegas 96 was nothing short of exceptional, leaving fans in awe of her skills and potential. Fans wrote:
"Give her a ranked opponent, she'll make the division entertaining again."
She's the real deal! give her a fight night co main spot."
"All the elements of a future Star."
Check out some of the reactions below:
A look into Wang Cong's win over Valentina Shevchenko
Wang Cong's impressive victory over Victoria Leonardo at UFC Vegas 96 was even more noteworthy considering her past encounter with former UFC Women's flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko. In 2015, Cong faced Shevchenko in a kickboxing match under a ruleset that limited clinching and elbows, neutralizing some of Shevchenko's Muay Thai advantages.
Despite these limitations, the bout was highly competitive, with Shevchenko ultimately losing by unanimous decision. The fight also marked the end of her kickboxing career, as she soon signed with the UFC and went on to achieve significant success in the mixed martial arts world.
Check out the fight below: