How was it that a nice tailored suit, that he never got to wear for the press conference made “The Leech” the star if the show?
Li, who was suppose to fight Tony Ferguson in the co-main event of UFC 279 Diaz vs. Chimaev [now Diaz vs. Ferguson], now fighting his new opponent Daniel “D-Rod” Rodriguez, was seen on UFC Embedded series buying a tailored suit to attend his first press conference.
Due to a series of fights breaking out between Diaz’s camp and Chimaev’s camp and Kevin Holland going at Chimaev, the press conference was called off for the safety of the fighters and staff.
MMA Twitter exploded when the video emerged of Li being told it was called-off. Everybody felt bad for Li not being able to wear his fresh suit for the press conference. Everybody feeling his pain of not being able to show off his new threads for his first press conference.
Khamzat Chimaev, who was Nate DIaz’s opponent had missed weight 7.5lbs. 171lbs being the limit for non-title fights. This ultimately led to the fight being called-off and the fighters on the top three fights of the main card being moved around.
The Leech being the only one who was not matched physically with anyone weight-wise took a fight with D-Rod who was 10lbs more than him. The Leech fighting and already weighed in at welterweight (170lbs) and D-Rod, for a catchweight fight at 180lbs.
Thus leaving the new match-ups Ferguson vs. Diaz as the main-event, co-main Holland vs. Chimaev, both for 5 rounds, then Li vs. Rodriguez. Li sacrificing the co-main spot.
The Leech was still in high spirits despite all the commotion and sudden change, as well not getting to wear his suit. But he gained great amount of fans and respect from fighters.
Fans and fighters alike are happy and seem to like this card better than the old, also, the show gets to stay on the road, and Li gets to flex his muscle in the octagon.
