What does Li Jingliang's knockout victory over Santiago Ponzinibbio mean for the Welterweight Division?

The return to Fight Island brought us many shocking moments, few greater than Li Jingliang starching Santiago Ponzinibbio with a picture perfect left hook in the first round. Coming into their bout at UFC Fight Island 7, the Argentinian powerhouse Ponzinibbio was the heavy betting favourite and for good reason. In a career plagued by injury, Ponzinibbio had amassed an outstanding record of 27-3 record (9-3 in the UFC) and was riding a 7-fight win streak which included victories over the likes of Neil Magny, Gunnar Nelson and Mike Perry to name but a few. If it hadn't been for an over two year layoff, Ponzinibbio could have easily found himself within the elite of the division and was even touted to be a future champion by many, making his loss to Li even more shocking.

Whilst Li is no rookie, having been apart of the UFC since 2014, and holding wins over names such as David Zawada and Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos, his loss to Neil Magny in 2020 appeared to set him back in the division. Stepping up as a late replacement for the injured Muslim Salikhov, not many were giving Li a chance in this one... But then he blew everyone away! Li landed a clean left hook that shut the lights out, dropping Ponzinibbio late in the first round, silencing the doubters and putting the rest of the Welterweight division on notice. 

So what is next for the Chinese sensation? 

A victory over Ponzinibbio represents an enormous milestone in the career of Li Jingliang, and sets him up for a fantastic 2021. Having beaten the man who before injury was on his way to the top of the division, Li is now primed for a bout with a top 15 ranked Welterweight. 

Given that Neil Magny will face off against Michael Chiesa on Wednesday, it would make sense for Li to keep a keen eye on the result of that bout, as both men currently sit inside the top 10 of the division. A loss for Magny could potentially set up a rematch and a chance for Li to avenge his loss. However there is also an argument to be made that Li should draw a higher ranked opponent for his next fight due to the manner of his victory over Ponzinibbio. Perhaps a bout with 'The Silent Assassin' Vicente Luque? We will have to wait and see what the UFC brass come up for Li, but he is certainly set up for a very promising year.

For Santiago Ponzinibbio a reset is required. An over two year hiatus will have undoubtedly had a significant impact in the Argentine's career, and in a statement issued after the loss to Li, it was clear to see the anguish he felt but also the mental fortitude of the fighter. Ponzinibbio stated 'All my life I forged it on adversity, this time it will be no different. I'm coming back stronger than ever'. While the loss will be a devastating mental blow for Ponzinibbio, he is still rated as one of the top Welterweights in the world. He will be back.

We were treated to a fantastic opening card to open the new year and the action continues on January 20th with Michael Chiesa returning to face Neil Magny, and then on January 23rd, it's the return of the Mac, as The Notorious Conor McGregor returns in a rematch to face Dustin Poirier in a Lightweight showdown with title implications. 2021 started with a bang and the action resumes very soon!

Be sure to follow my Twitter @TheMMAEyewitness where I will be doing live text commentary for all upcoming events!

~ James Eakin

Image credits: [Centre] 'Chinese fighter Li Jingliang knocks out Ponzinibbio with one punch in Abu Dhabi', Li Chenqi. Available at: https://news.cgtn.com/news/2021-01-17/Li-Jingliang-knocks-out-Ponzinibbio-wit-one-punch-in-Abu-Dhabi- X7h8MkMiXK/index.html [Accessed Jan '21]