Wang Cong looked better than advertised earlier tonight (Sat., Aug. 24, 2024) at UFC Vegas 96 LIVE on ESPN/ESPN+ from inside UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, when the former kickboxing standout scored a ridiculous knockout finish over veteran Victoria Leonardo just 62 seconds into her official Octagon debut.
For those that didn’t know, Cong was one of the highest betting favorites in UFC history coming into tonight. The talented prospect holds a kickboxing win over Valentina Shevchenko from back in 2015 and had already produced an undefeated 5-0 record in mixed martial arts (MMA). The hype was pretty high heading into UFC Vegas 96.
Fortunately, Cong did not disappoint. After a brief feeling out period she was able to find her range and set Leonardo up for a finish she wouldn’t forget. Cong landed a quick jab before immediately following it up with a perfectly-timed right hand. Both caught Leonardo flush and sent her crashing to the canvas in a heap. It was pretty gnarly.
Check out the final moments in the above video player.
Cong, 32, is now 6-0 as a professional MMA fighter and still has not lost a single fight in her entire combat career (she was 8-0-1 as a kickboxer). This was a massive way to kick the door in to the women’s flyweight division and should fast track her to a top 15 matchup her next time out.
For complete UFC Vegas 96 results, coverage, and highlights, click HERE.