Xiao Long has embodied the Chinese proverb, "a good dish always comes late." After a leg injury delayed his Road To UFC finals bout originally scheduled for last December, the rescheduled match against ChangHo Lee is set to take place in Saudi Arabia. Despite the setbacks, Xiao's determination has not wavered.
"Originally planned for last year, my fight was postponed due to my injury. It’s been delayed until now, but my training camp has prepared me well, and I feel ready in every aspect for this fight," Xiao explained.
In his journey through the Road To UFC, Xiao defeated Shohei Nose and Shuya Kamikubo in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively, both by decision—one split and one majority. Despite securing his finals spot, Xiao believes he didn’t showcase his full potential and is keen to do so at the UFC's debut event in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
"In my previous Road to UFC fights, I feel I didn’t give my all, and I’ve been honing my skills since then. On fight night, you’ll see the full extent of my capabilities and understand why I am the future of UFC," Xiao stated confidently.
Xiao also reflected on his growth since his 2021 appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series, where he faced a defeat against Cristian Quiñonez. Since then, he has maintained a near-perfect record with 17 wins out of his last 18 fights, highlighting his evolution as a fighter.
"I've improved significantly since my last fight in 2021. I’m a completely transformed fighter now," Xiao declared.
This Saturday night, Xiao is ready to demonstrate his ferocity and resilience. "I’m a savage in the ring. I thrive under pressure and when I’m attacked, I strike back harder. That's the kind of fighter I am," he said.
His opponent, ChangHo Lee, comes with his own formidable track record, securing both of his Road To UFC victories by stoppage—one in the first round and another in the third. Lee has claimed five of his nine wins by knockout, adding one submission victory to his record.
However, Xiao is unimpressed and ready for the challenge. "I'm not overwhelmed by my opponent. We're set for an exhilarating fight," he added.
Xiao is confident that his superior takedown defense and striking skills, coupled with his mental fortitude, will give him the upper hand. "If anyone wants to stand and exchange blows with me, it'll end badly for them," he warned.
Victory over Lee would not only crown Xiao as the season 2 bantamweight champion of Road To UFC but also secure him a coveted UFC contract. For Xiao, this is just the beginning of his ascent in the world of mixed martial arts.
Don’t miss UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs Aliskerov, live from the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The prelims kick off at 12pm ET/9am PT, followed by the main card on ABC at 3pm ET/12pm PT.