Former WWE superstar Xia Li departed from the Stamford-based promotion in April 2024 following budget cuts, ending her seven-year stint. Since then, the Chinese wrestler has showcased her skills competing in the Indies and is currently wrestling under TNA with the ring name Léi Yǐng Lee. Congratulations are now for her.
Today, Xia Li made her official mixed martial arts debut at Combat Night MMA against Myriam Essalki. Though the fight was competitive and both fighters went the distance, judges scored the bout in the former WWE star’s favor. Congratulations to Xia Li on her MMA debut victory via Split Decision.
Li’s mixed martial arts debut was initially announced for last year. However, she unfortunately had to pull out due to illness. Nevertheless, overcoming all adversities, the former WWE star secured her first win as a professional mixed martial artist. Her future in sports looks promising.
Xia Li talks about getting into MMA after WWE release
While speaking on the Busted Open podcast, Xia Li revealed that she immediately called her coach after her release from World Wrestling Entertainment and asked him to arrange an MMA fight, as she has always wanted to compete in mixed martial arts.
“I had many things even before I’m in the WWE but now, I feel more freedom. Yes, and right now, I can do fight. I’ve been (wanting a) fight for many years. Last time, I was in NXT. I almost get a fight but they find out so I had to cancel. So, the first day I get out, so I called my coach, ‘Hi coach. When is the next fight?’ And then my coach is like, ‘Oh, August.’ I was like, ‘Okay, I’m in.’ That’s the first thing after release, I call my coach. So I can get this back,” Li said.
It will be thrilling to track Xia Li’s MMA journey and see if she manages to create a legacy for herself just like Brock Lesnar and Ronda Rousey.
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