Liu Ce And Bilal Hasan Earn A+ Grades In UFC Shanghai Debuts

Eight rookies made their UFC debuts at SPD Bank Oriental Sports Center in Shanghai on Aug. 29, collectively posting a 5-3 record highlighted by multiple knockout finishes.

Former K-1 champion Liu Ce delivered a statement performance in the heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight division, stopping Levi Rodrigues Jr. after surviving an early scare. The Chinese kickboxer absorbed clean counters in the opening exchanges before landing an overhand right that wobbled Rodrigues. As the Brazilian appeared to recover, Ce connected with a finish shot that put him unconscious. MMA Mania awarded Ce its top mark for showcasing elite striking, knockout power, and a durable chin despite taking damage himself.

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Hasan Sleeps Rojas Three Weeks After Contender Series Win

Bilal Hasan made the quickest turnaround of the night, stepping into the Octagon less than three weeks after earning his contract on Contender Series Week 1. The 25-year-old flyweight prospect dominated fellow undefeated newcomer Nilson Rojas across two rounds, mixing kicks with takedowns and back takes before landing a straight right that ended the fight in round two. MMA Mania also gave Hasan an A-plus grade, calling him a complete package with legitimate star quality.

The report noted Hasan called out Andre Lima afterward but suggested a matchup with Bruno Silva as a better developmental step for the Top 10-caliber prospect. Ce was recommended for a rescheduled bout against Junior Tafa, his original opponent before the late switch to Rodrigues.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Rookie Report Card: Grading all Octagon newcomers UFC Shanghai post-mortem