LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – Now, that was a debut.
Wang Cong scored a massive win in her UFC debut at UFC Vegas 96 last night (Sat., Aug. 24, 2024) when she knocked out Victoria Leonardo in 62 seconds to kick off the card from inside the UFC Apex in Las Vegas (watch highlights). It was the fastest finish in UFC Women’s Flyweight history.
Oh, and then Cong told UFC in her post-fight interview that she was pissed off that she was on the “Prelims.”
There was a ton of hype leading into Cong’s debut because of her combat sports resume outside of UFC. She won two gold medals in Wushu Sanda at the 2013 World Wushu Championships and 2014 Asian Games. She was also one of three people who defeated Valentina Shevchenko in kickboxing in 2015.
Check that fight out below:
Of course, a rematch in mixed martial arts (MMA) between Cong and Shevchenko would be incredible, but it is far away at the moment; however, “Joker” believes her striking is better than “Bullet.”
“I think if you compare Valentina Shevchenko to me, she has more experience, but I took some time to compete in boxing, and I believe my striking is better than her,” Cong told the media during her post-fight interview. “If she takes a fight with me, I’ll fight her anytime.”
It’s probably too early to say, but UFC could have another Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya storyline on their hands. If so, Cong could get shot out of a cannon into the title picture with another win – especially with the Chinese fighter being 31 years old and Shevchenko at the backend of her iconic career.
Time will tell.
For complete UFC Vegas 96 results, coverage, and highlights, click HERE.