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UFC welterweight contender Li Jingliang has pulled out of his scheduled fight against Michael Chiesa at UFC 287.
Jingliang was last seen inside the octagon against Daniel Rodriguez at UFC 279 last year. 'The Leech' was part of a major card reshuffle at UFC 279, which began with one half of the main event, Khamzat Chimaev, failing to make weight. Jingliang, who was initially booked to fight Tony Ferguson, ended up facing Rodriguez and losing by split decision.
Li Jingliang was forced to withdraw from the upcoming bout against Michael Chiesa due to a spine injury. He released a statement on Instagram and wrote:
"As many of you already know, I injured my spine during fight camp and was forced to withdraw from my fight against Michael Chiesa at #ufc287. The injury was an accumulated effect from all the rigorous training that I had put my body through in the past several months, especially all the extra BJJ and wrestling work I put in to prepare for beating a submission artist."
He added:
"This is a disappointing situation to say the least. As a professional fighter, my job is to fight and provide for my family with the honest work I put in with my bare hands. I love what I do, and because of it I understand the need to play the long game and be responsible for my own health. I chose fighting as my career - so decisions like this must not be based on ego, but on my long-term commitment to the sport I love."
Check out the statement by Li Jingliang below:
Michael Chiesa's former opponent offered to step in as a replacement for the injured Li Jingliang at UFC 287
Kevin Lee, who recently re-signed with the UFC, claims that Michael Chiesa turned down an opportunity to fight him at UFC 287.
Chiesa was expected to face Li Jingliang in his octagon return at UFC 287. Unfortunately, 'The Leech' had to pull out due to a spine injury.
Kevin Lee, who has not competed since his return to the UFC, claims to have offered to replace Li Jingliang on short notice. However, Chiesa allegedly turned down Lee's offer. It is worth noting that Lee has a submission victory over Chiesa.
'The Motown Phenom' wrote on Instagram:
"I got a call a week ago that Mike Chiesa’s opponent pulled out with injury for next weeks #UFC287 in Miami. I accepted the fight on short notice I’m ready to go. But I got word today that Chiesa said no to our rematch. I no longer really care about money, rankings or popularity contests I wanted to put on a show for the the world."
Check out the post below:
