Welterweights
Jingliang Li (15-5) vs. David Zawada (16-4)ODDS: Li (-145), Zawada (+125)
The UFC’s first attempt at signing a wave of Chinese talent was a disaster, but it did at least get one good find in Li. “The Leech” was an appropriate nickname for Li on the regional scene, as he liked to use a smothering wrestling game, but to his credit, he saw the need to adapt at the UFC level and proactively shifted to becoming an offensively minded brawler. Considering it was a complete rehaul of his style, it has gone shockingly well. Li has won a lot more than he has lost, including five out of his last six. On top of that, his exciting style has made him a cult favorite. He put on two of the more underrated fights of 2017 against Frank Camacho and Bobby Nash, and he has an obvious charisma that transcends the language barrier. Li initially had a big chance here against Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos, which could have finally given him a win over a ranked opponent. However, due to injury, Li now faces Germany’s Zawada, who should still be a willing dance partner.
Zawada has been a solid veteran on the European fight scene for a few years now, and he was a welcomed addition to the UFC roster when he got signed as a late replacement in July. Zawada figured to fit right into the UFC’s middle tier of action welterweights and indeed he did. His narrow debut loss to Danny Roberts was the highlight of a mediocre Hamburg card, as Zawada constantly fought through punishment to mount his own offense, both on the feet and on the ground. That has really been Zawada’s game. He has shown some ridiculous toughness and an ability to eat abuse, all while acquitting himself well in other aspects of the fight. He does not quite have the standing that dos Santos enjoys, but he is every bit as dangerous an opponent.
This might be the hardest fight on the card to call. It figures to be all offense, at any rate, as both men are willing to take one to give one, particularly Li, who spends the early part of fights wading forward and eating shots to try and feel out his opponent. That strategy should pay off once again. When Li figures things out, he is a strong kickboxer with a nice array of options, which should give him the advantage on the feet in the later rounds. Zawada’s grappling game is an underrated factor, but Li has shown enough wrestling skill in the past that the German should not be able to rely on that as a path to victory. There is some risk here, given Zawada’s toughness and Li’s slow starts, but the pick is Li via decision.
Last Fights » The Prelims