A pair of UFC newcomers – a familiar theme on the UFC Macau card – faced off at welterweight as Ding Meng took on Jose Henrique Souza.
Meng had an incredible 44 fights as a pro prior to his UFC debut, including appearances in ONE Championship and on Dana White’s Contender Series.
It was Souza, however, getting attention early, as a right hand forced Meng back. The shorter fighter, Meng was looking for a way inside, and finally had some success with a leg kick that nearly tripped Souza up. Souza’s jab, however, continued to give Ding Meng fits.
In the final minute, Meng managed to turn up the heat, backing Souza up to the fence. His kicks, his best weapon in the round, were still connecting, and he finally seemed to have solved the distance issue. Souza, meanwhile, appeared to have slowed a step.
Round two saw Meng catch a kick early, though Souza pulled free before getting dumped on his back. Meng’s kicks were still in play; he was also able to feign one, then connect with a punch upstairs. Souza got on his horse, opting to circle outside and simply stay out of range. He’d then connect with a knee to the chin off a very brief clinch, the best moment for Souza in the fight.
It might have been a momentum-changer, but Meng carried on, and moments later, Souza fired a kick that connected a bit low. Meng didn’t require too much recovery time however. Nearing the one minute mark, Ding Meng caught a kick then hammered Souza’s other leg with a low kick of his own. Slick sequence. Close round overall, with that knee perhaps shifting the balance to Souza.
The third frame saw Souza come out how, firing a spinning attack that cut open Meng. That left Meng playing catch-up, especially with the visual it presented the judges. Souza had a bit more pep in his step, staying outside and working his jab. Towards the end of the frame, Meng pressed, throwing caution to the wind, knowing he needed a finish. Fans didn’t love it when Souza chose to retreat and escape instead of engage, but likely up on the scorecards, he opted to fight safe. Souza started showboating in the final ten seconds, leading to a chorus of boos at the horn.
The judges split, but two had it for Souza. “Hey guys, remember my name, I will be champ!” shouted Souza after the fight, to further jeers from the Chinese crowd.
Official Result: Jose Henrique Souza def. Ding Meng by split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)