By Colin Robinson, CNTV Panview Sports Commentator

July has been a historic month for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Besides selling for US$ 4 billion, the world's premier mixed martial arts promotion put on the "biggest and baddest" of all fight shows, UFC 200, so named because it was to be the 200th showcase of its greatest athletes.

But the most eagerly anticipated show for years was almost done in when one of the main event stars failed a drugs test just 72 hours before his fight. In the midst of such upheaval and an array of star-studded bouts, Chinese welterweight Li "The Leech" Jingliang's first-round knockout of Australian high school teacher Anton Zafir flew under the radar of many fight fans.

It was the first of 12 bouts in The Ultimate Fighter 23 Finale, one of the events in the two-day lead up to UFC 200. And it was a thrilling, if brief, fight that sparked to life after some tentative early striking exchanges, with Zafir landing two takedowns in quick succession. But Li struggled to his feet and quickly turned the fight around, scoring a takedown of his own then knocking Zafir unconscious with a flurry of head strikes, prompting the referee to stop the fight after just 2 minutes 46 seconds.

Li's win opened a dramatic fight card in style, but more than that, it brought confidence to him and encouragement for Chinese fighters around the world.

"I know a lot of people in China have been watching, and I definitely think this is going to bring things to China—and I believe really strongly that I'm going to be a champion one day," Li said in his post-fight interview.

Talk of fighting for the title just five bouts into his UFC run may seem like unnecessary pressure. But as one of the brightest prospects of China Top Team, the nation's leading MMA camp, Li can't afford to be fazed. His success brings hope to his teammates and fighters around the country. And with this win, he brought some valuable credibility to Chinese MMA on the international scene.

Chinese fighters haven't fared well since Li's mentor and CTT teammate Zhang Tiequan became the first to join the UFC in February 2011. It was seen as a pivotal moment for Chinese MMA, but Zhang won just one of four fights and was released from his contract.

In 2013, Jumabieke Tuerxun followed in Zhang's footsteps, bringing an undefeated record of 14 wins and a reputation as a well-rounded fighter to the UFC. But he also struggled and was cut after three straight losses.

The UFC stepped up its efforts to tap into the Chinese market in late-2013, launching "The Ultimate Fighter: China" reality show, which pitted the nation's leading fighters against each other to win a UFC contract. Of the 16 contenders, just two remain with the promotion today, and both have mediocre records: Ning Guangyou (2-1 in UFC wins and losses) and Yao Zhikui (1-2).

Li, a native of Xinjiang who trains in Beijing, is the only other Chinese fighter in the UFC. He signed with the organization in January 2014, after compiling an 8-2 record in Asia-based promotions and becoming Legend FC welterweight champion.

In his UFC debut in May 2014, Li earned a split decision victory. Zhang was immensely proud of his teammate's success on the world stage. "Because we've trained together for so long, I feel very deeply [for him]," Zhang said after Li's win. "It's an honor…we've come a very long way and I’m extremely happy."

After seeing his contemporaries struggle, Li is well-aware how hard fighting in the UFC is. He said his debut win showed his compatriots "there is a chance to fight in the UFC, but that it is not easy."

Indeed, Li's UFC career has been up and down. His second win, like his most recent one, was by knockout. But in between each of his victories were losses—one on a contentious split decision and one by submission.

Though Li is a long way from the UFC title he yearns, he remains a pioneer for Chinese MMA. With his latest win, he became the nation's first fighter to reach three UFC victories. Now he hopes to fight in Manila on October 15 and dreams of headlining a card in China.

( The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Panview or CCTV.com. )

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