UFC Shanghai: Liu Ce scores face-plant knockout over Levi Rodrigues Jr. after back-and-forth war

Liu Ce made an unforgettable UFC debut on Saturday at UFC Shanghai, delivering a knockout that capped an intense opening-round firefight against Levi Rodrigues Jr. on the main card.

The former K-1 kickboxing champion, competing in just his fifth professional MMA bout, was installed as the favorite over Rodrigues, a Contender Series alumnus. Both fighters came out swinging immediately, trading heavy haymakers in a wild opening exchange. Rodrigues impressed early with crisp power shots that buzzed Liu, but the kickboxing pedigree proved decisive midway through the round. Liu cracked Rodrigues with a precise punch to the temple, sending him to the canvas. Though Rodrigues rose and continued throwing, his legs were visibly compromised. Liu capitalized, timing a crushing right hand that turned Rodrigues face-first into the mat for the finish.

The victory announced Liu as a prospect worth monitoring in the UFC ranks, showcasing the striking sharpness that made him dangerous in combat sports before his octagon debut.