ELMONT, N.Y. – Li Jingliang wants to run things back with Neil Magny.
The UFC welterweight hopes to have a rematch with Magny following his latest win inside the octagon. Jingliang (19-7 MMA, 11-5 UFC) returned to the win column Saturday at UFC on ABC 3 with a win over Muslim Salikhov by second-round TKO.
“The Leech” thinks he didn’t put on an accurate representation of his skill set against Magny, and wants to showcase the real him in a rematch.
“I would like to fight Neil Magny because last time we fought, it wasn’t me. I wasn’t 100 percent,” Jingliang told reporters at the UFC on ABC 3 post-fight news conference. “If I lost by knockout or submission, (and) if I’m 100 percent, I’m fine with it. But it wasn’t me. I’m not happy with it.
“I don’t want to talk about the details, but I hope it’s in September or even earlier. I want Magny and (the UFC) to give me the chance. I think the card that’s headlined by Song Yadong (would be good). I would like to show the world China power again.”
Song Yadong, a fellow Chinese fighter, headlines UFC Fight Night 210 against Cory Sandhagen on Sept. 17 in Las Vegas.
Jingliang fought Magny in 2020 at UFC 248 and lost a unanimous decision. Jingliang is 5-2 in his past seven performances. His only defeats are to Magny and a quick submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev in October 2021.
Since his outing against Chimaev, Jingliang changed up his training and moved to Kill Cliff FC (formerly Sanford MMA) in South Florida. He said he’s much improved under the new training camp.
“I learned a lot since the last fight,” Jingliang explained. “I came to the U.S. and I trained in Sanford MMA starting April. The teammates and coaches there helped me a lot and my strength and conditioning coach at HIP. I think for athletes, we need to work consistently and follow what the coaches say, and we can achieve the success.”
Li Jingliang wants rematch vs. Neil Magny: ‘Last time we fought, it wasn’t me’
