The Road to UFC 2 bantamweight final at UFC Saudi Arabia on June 22 was a heated battle between China’s Xiao Long and South Korea’s Chang-Ho Lee. The highly anticipated bout, which had been delayed due to Long’s earlier withdrawal, lived up to its billing as a fierce clash of styles.
From the opening bell, Xiao Long came out aggressively, putting immense pressure on Lee. However, Lee weathered the storm, landing a few strikes of his own before clinching up against the fence. The pair engaged in a grueling clinch battle, trading knees, elbows, and short punches while vying for head position.
“Um… they’re still fighting.” 😅
The commentary booth after Xiao and Lee kept fighting after the round ended #UFCSaudiArabia pic.twitter.com/q9v6AcusMe
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) June 22, 2024
As the round neared its end, the action remained intense, with Lee attempting takedowns and Long defending resolutely. Even after the bell rang, signaling the end of the round, the competitors seemed oblivious, continuing to exchange strikes until the referee intervened.
The second round saw the clinch game continue, with Long pressing Lee against the fence. Lee responded with body shots and knees, while Long landed a stinging elbow after a brief separation. The pace remained relentless, and an accidental clash of heads went unnoticed by the referee.
In a bizarre moment, a mouth guard case fell from the top of the octagon, but the referee swiftly swept it away, preventing any potential hazard.
The third round witnessed a brief shift to the ground, but the pair soon returned to their feet, with Long securing Lee’s back momentarily. Lee showcased his grit, fighting off the choke attempt and regaining his footing, where he continued to work the body in the clinch. Long, however, landed a powerful elbow that resonated throughout the arena.
With the fight hanging in the balance in the final minute, both fighters left everything in the octagon. When the scorecards were tallied, it was Lee who emerged victorious by split decision, claiming the Road to UFC 2 bantamweight contract in a hard-fought battle.
The clash between Xiao Long and Chang-Ho Lee exemplified the spirit of competition, with both fighters displaying unwavering determination and resilience until the very end.
