Why is Li Jingliang called The Leech?

Last Modified Aug 16, 2024 07:11 GMT
Why is Li Jingliang called The Leech?
[Image via @lijingliangmma on Instagram]

Li Jingliang, also known as "The Leech," is one of the most renowned Chinese mixed martial artists competing in the UFC's Welterweight Division (170 lbs). Jingliang was born on March 20, 1988, in Xinjiang, China, and has been active professionally since 2007. He made his UFC debut on May 24, 2014, and quickly built a reputation for being an aggressive striker and submission artist, earning 10 knockout wins and four submission wins in his professional career.

The 36-year-old welterweight has had a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs throughout his UFC journey. In January 2021, Jingliang had a highlight-reel knockout of Santiago Ponzinibbio. He also tested his mettle against top-tier opposition, including having lost via submission to the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev in October 2021 before being dealt a controversial split-decision defeat at the hands of Daniel Rodriguez in September 2022. Jingliang is set for his octagon return on August 18, 2024, at UFC 305, against Carlos Prates of Brazil. Without having thrown a single strike in more than a year and a half, as he was out of action due to a spine injury, this fight holds a lot of weight, as "The Leech" is once again out to prove his place in the welterweight division.

Li Jingliang Nickname

Li Jingliang is nicknamed ‘The Leech’, which truly characterizes his fighting style of relentless pressure and elite grappling skills. Just like a leech clings to its target, Jingliang is known for latching onto opponents, especially in close-quarter combat. He excels at applying pressure and controlling the fight.

This is an appropriate nickname for the welterweight fighter because he wears his opponents down with his aggressive and suffocating approach in the octagon. In addition to Jingliang’s wrestling and Sanda background, his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu makes him especially dangerous if he can latch onto opponents, true to his leech-like characteristics in combat.

Li Jingliang UFC Record

As of August 2024, Li Jingliang holds a UFC record of 11 wins and six losses in 17 outings (11-6-0). Overall, he maintains a professional record of 19 wins and 8 losses (19-8-0). Of his victories, ten have come by knockout, four by way of submission, and five via decision.

FAQs on Li Jingliang's nickname

A. Li Jingliang is nicknamed ‘The Leech’.

A. Li Jingliang hails from Tacheng in Xinjiang, China.

A. As of August 2024, Jingliang is 36 years old.

A. Li Jingliang’s next opponent is Carlos Prates. The two will face off on August 18, 2024, at UFC 305: Du Plessis vs. Adesanya.

A. Li Jingliang holds a UFC record of 11 wins and 6 losses (11-6-0).

Related Stories

Regian Eersel details early struggles of being a professional fighter as a teen: “I was living off my fighting” Regian Eersel details early struggles of being a professional fighter as a teen: “I was living off my fighting”
Regian Eersel details early struggles of being a professional fighter as a teen: “I was living off my fighting”
"I'm not a kickboxer" - George Jarvis prefers combat in 'the art of eight limbs' above all "I'm not a kickboxer" - George Jarvis prefers combat in 'the art of eight limbs' above all
"I'm not a kickboxer" - George Jarvis prefers combat in 'the art of eight limbs' above all
Regian Eersel says coach paid his rent, motivated him to continue fighting: "Listen, you have so much talent" Regian Eersel says coach paid his rent, motivated him to continue fighting: "Listen, you have so much talent"
Regian Eersel says coach paid his rent, motivated him to continue fighting: "Listen, you have so much talent"
1d
Dana White shares honest reaction to Hulk Hogan passing away at 71, recalls WWE legend's impact: "I grew up in that era" Dana White shares honest reaction to Hulk Hogan passing away at 71, recalls WWE legend's impact: "I grew up in that era"
Dana White shares honest reaction to Hulk Hogan passing away at 71, recalls WWE legend's impact: "I grew up in that era"
ONE Friday Fights 117 results and recap: Yod-IQ shines in three-round banger alongside Alessio Malatesta ONE Friday Fights 117 results and recap: Yod-IQ shines in three-round banger alongside Alessio Malatesta
ONE Friday Fights 117 results and recap: Yod-IQ shines in three-round banger alongside Alessio Malatesta
1d
Conor McGregor-owned Black Forge Inn allegedly attacked by arsonists, UFC superstar issues reaction: "Built different baby" Conor McGregor-owned Black Forge Inn allegedly attacked by arsonists, UFC superstar issues reaction: "Built different baby"
Conor McGregor-owned Black Forge Inn allegedly attacked by arsonists, UFC superstar issues reaction: "Built different baby"
1d
"Krylov was about to be punched through the canvas" - Fans react as Bogdan Guskov secures first-round KO against Nikita Krylov at UFC Abu Dhabi "Krylov was about to be punched through the canvas" - Fans react as Bogdan Guskov secures first-round KO against Nikita Krylov at UFC Abu Dhabi
"Krylov was about to be punched through the canvas" - Fans react as Bogdan Guskov secures first-round KO against Nikita Krylov at UFC Abu Dhabi
4h
UFC Predictions: UFC Fight Night: Amir Albazi vs. Tatsuro Taira UFC Predictions: UFC Fight Night: Amir Albazi vs. Tatsuro Taira
UFC Predictions: UFC Fight Night: Amir Albazi vs. Tatsuro Taira
UFC Abu Dhabi: Sharabutdin Magomedov vs. Marc-André Barriault: Live round-by-round updates UFC Abu Dhabi: Sharabutdin Magomedov vs. Marc-André Barriault: Live round-by-round updates
UFC Abu Dhabi: Sharabutdin Magomedov vs. Marc-André Barriault: Live round-by-round updates
11h
Boxing tonight (July 26, 2025): What are the fights lined up? Boxing tonight (July 26, 2025): What are the fights lined up?
Boxing tonight (July 26, 2025): What are the fights lined up?
19h
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
down arrow icon
More
bell-icon Manage notifications