04:00
Mixed martial arts fans in China were given a treat when the sport's biggest promotion, UFC, came to the capital last weekend.
This was the second Fight Night ever held in the Chinese mainland after the first last year in Shanghai, and once again it featured lots of local talent including Li Jingliang, who thrilled the home crowds with an impressive win.
After suffering a knockdown in the first round, Li recovered and finished David Zawada in the third with a kick to the midsection in the final minute of the final frame.
"The cheers of the crowd best explain what it feels like to fight at home,” said Li Jingliang, “they encouraged me a lot. This was the feeling in both Beijing and Shanghai, where I could feel the power of my country."
Song Yadong of China celebrates after his decision victory over Vince Morales in their bantamweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event inside Cadillac Arena on November 24, 2018 in Beijing, China. / VCG Photo
Song Yadong of China celebrates after his decision victory over Vince Morales in their bantamweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event inside Cadillac Arena on November 24, 2018 in Beijing, China. / VCG Photo
Meanwhile, Song Yadong stayed perfect in the UFC with a sweep of the judges' scorecards against Vincent Morales, who was making his promotional debut. Song took a trio of 30-27 scores.
"I give 70 points to myself if there were 100,” said Song Yadong, “I think I had plenty of chances to knock him out, but I didn't. I hesitated a lot. The goal I set for myself is to win the UFC Bantamweight Championship, and I will fight towards that goal, and hope I can realize it soon."