The former K-1 champion aims for an early knockout in a highly anticipated matchup
Category: Sports
Liu Ce is set to make his UFC debut against Levi Rodrigues Jr. on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the Shanghai Oriental Sports Center in Shanghai, China. The light heavyweight bout is part of the main card for UFC Fight Night: Nurmagomedov vs. Song, with the fight expected to start around 6:40 a.m. ET, streaming live on Paramount+.
This matchup has drawn considerable attention, as Liu Ce (3-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) enters the octagon with an unblemished record and a background as a former K-1 kickboxing champion. He is coming off a first-round knockout victory over Igor Barabanov in WLF MMA earlier this year. In stark opposition, Rodrigues Jr. (5-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) looks to rebound from a disappointing second-round TKO loss to Felipe Franco during his UFC debut in June 2026.
Analysts have highlighted Liu Ce's impressive stand-up game, which has made him a favorite heading into this fight. DraftKings Sportsbook lists Liu Ce as a -192 moneyline favorite, with Rodrigues Jr. as a +160 underdog. This reflects an implied probability of approximately 63.1% for Liu Ce and 36.9% for Rodrigues Jr., indicating a strong public sentiment favoring the debutant.
Liu Ce, known as "The Oriental Dragon," stands at 6 feet 5 inches tall with a reach of 78 inches, giving him a physical advantage in the octagon. His kickboxing pedigree is substantial, boasting a record of 18-3 with 14 knockouts. Liu's fighting style is characterized by heavy leg kicks and technical strikes, which have made him a formidable opponent in stand-up exchanges.
On the other hand, Rodrigues Jr. is a pressure fighter who relies on his Muay Thai background. He is known for his aggressive style, which has resulted in all his victories coming by way of knockout or TKO. After an initial victory that was later overturned to a no-contest due to a positive PED test, Rodrigues faced a reality check against Franco, where he struggled to defend against ground-and-pound tactics.
The fight on August 29 will serve as a litmus test for both fighters. For Liu Ce, it is an opportunity to establish himself in the UFC, whereas Rodrigues Jr. seeks to demonstrate he can bounce back from adversity and secure a victory against a rising star.
The bout will likely be a thrilling encounter, especially considering Liu Ce's knockout power and Rodrigues Jr.'s tenacity. Analysts predict that if the fight remains on the feet, Liu Ce is likely to dominate, utilizing his superior kickboxing skills to chop down Rodrigues Jr. early on. Many experts anticipate Liu Ce will aim for a knockout in the first round, leveraging his experience and technical prowess.
Conversely, Rodrigues Jr. has a chance to turn the tide if he can successfully implement a grappling strategy. Though he is not primarily known for his wrestling, he may need to adapt his approach to counter Liu's strikes and take the fight to the ground. If he can manage to tire Liu Ce and exploit his grappling vulnerabilities, Rodrigues could find a pathway to victory.
As the fight draws nearer, the excitement continues to build among fans and analysts alike. With Liu Ce's impressive kickboxing background and Rodrigues Jr.'s determination to rebound from his last fight, this matchup could very well be a highlight of the UFC Fight Night card.
With the prelims starting at 3:00 a.m. ET and the main card commencing at 6:00 a.m. ET, UFC Fight Night: Nurmagomedov vs. Song is shaping up to be a must-watch event for MMA enthusiasts. As Liu Ce and Levi Rodrigues Jr. prepare to step into the octagon, attention will turn to them to see who will emerge victorious in this exciting light heavyweight clash.