UFC newcomer Wang Cong will get her first bonus after all.
After impressing on Road to UFC, Cong (6-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) debuted at UFC on ESPN 62 in the first fight of the night against Victoria Leonardo. The women’s flyweight bout didn’t last long.
China’s Cong crushed Leonardo (9-6 MMA, 1-4 UFC) with a devastating punch, ending the fight with a walkoff knockout in 62 seconds. Not only did Cong impress with her skills in the cage, but she also stood out on the mic, stating she had no business being the first fight of the night but instead deserves a spot on the main card.
That’s not to forget that “The Joker” made waves on social media with her faceoff at weigh-ins. She wore Joker-themed facepaint and told Leonardo in English, “I will win. I’m crazy.” She then hand-mimed three shots at her opponent before walking off.
Speaking of bullets, she has a win over former UFC flyweight champion Valentina “Bullet” Shevchenko in kickboxing, too.
Cong ticked all necessary boxes in her debut, but was snubbed when bonuses were announced.
“Wake up and find out there is no POTN,” Cong wrote on Instagram. “Next fight you will see more spectacular finish @ufc. Don’t play with Joker again!”
UFC CEO Dana White was not present for UFC on ESPN 62, as he has often skipped attending shows at the UFC Apex this year. However, he says he did see Cong’s fight and sent her a reply she was delighted to read.
“I was out of town and watch the fight @mystiqueboston on TV,” White replied on Instagram. “You looked AMAZING. I’m adding another PON bonus for u. Congrats u get 50k.”
“I love you Dana,” Cong replied with multiple heart-eyed emojis.
One fight down, one bonus for “The Joker,” who is certainly someone to keep an eye on going forward.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 62.
