MMA prospect stretchered off after devastating headkick on Road to UFC

An exhilarating women’s strawweight finale of Road to UFC had Shi Ming and Feng Xiaocan vying for a coveted UFC contract. While the fight itself was the highlight, a quirky background story added an unexpected layer of intrigue. Xiaocan, a dedicated physician, had kept her MMA ambitions hidden from her patients, while Ming’s family believed she was involved in a traditional martial arts competition rather than fighting for a UFC contract. This odd set of circumstances added an interesting twist to an already high-stakes fight.

From the opening bell, both fighters exhibited solid technical skills. Ming started the bout with an early body kick followed by a well-placed strike targeting Xiaocan’s lead leg. Despite her best efforts, Ming struggled to get past Xiaocan’s longer reach, with the taller fighter maintaining an edge in the early exchanges. However, the first round wasn’t without drama, as Xiaocan successfully executed a takedown and managed to take Ming’s back. Yet, Ming fought back vigorously, scrambling to her feet just before the round concluded.

The second round saw a slight shift in tempo. Both fighters appeared more cautious, with Ming especially struggling to close the distance. The exchanges became less frequent, with both women trading single strikes. Ming had her moments but found herself out of position at times. Xiaocan, however, displayed excellent control and kept the fight standing, showing resilience in the face of pressure from her opponent.

Then, in a jaw-dropping moment of brilliance, Shi Ming unleashed a devastating head kick in the third round that instantly floored Feng Xiaocan. The knockout was swift and decisive, with Ming’s follow-up punch barely necessary. The fight ended at 0:46 of round three, propelling Ming to victory and securing her place in UFC history. Xiaocan, on the other hand, was stretchered off the octagon with her head immobilized, although she remained awake and able to communicate.

After the fight, Ming expressed concern for Xiaocan’s well-being during an interview with Michael Bisping, wishing her opponent a speedy recovery. Despite the intense finish, Ming humbly acknowledged her previous hesitancy in the octagon, reflecting on her growth as a fighter. “I think I’m going to be a dangerous girl in the future,” she said, confident that her performance was just a glimpse of what’s to come.

With this victory, Shi Ming not only secured a UFC contract but also established herself as a rising star in the women’s strawweight division.