Jingliang Li vs. Nordine Taleb added to UFC Fight Night 54 in Canada

A welterweight matchup between Chinese fighter Jingliang Li (9-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC) and French-born athlete Nordine Taleb (9-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC) is the latest addition to October’s UFC Fight Night 54 event.

UFC officials today announced the new pairing.

Featuring a welterweight contest of Rory MacDonald vs. Tarec Saffiedine in the headlining role, UFC Fight Night 54 takes place Oct. 4 at Halifax Metro Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. The evening’s main card is expected to air on FOX Sports 1, though an official bout order and broadcast plans have yet to be announced.

“The Leech” Li is a 26-year-old fighter who trains in his native country at China Top Team. He made his UFC debut in May, earning a hard-fought split-decision win over David Michaud in the card-opening bout of UFC 173.

Meanwhile, Taleb, who now lives in Canada and trains at MOntreal’s famed Tristar Gym. His journey to the UFC included rare back-to-back appearances on “The Ultimate Fighter.” While he didn’t win either tournament, he was still given a chance to make an official UFC appearance, and he made good on the opportunity by earning a decision win over Vik Grujic at April’s TUF Nations Finale.

With the addition to the card, UFC Fight Night 54 now includes:

• Rory MacDonald vs. Tarec Saffiedine
• Raphael Assuncao vs. Bryan Caraway
• Kailin Curran vs. Paige VanZant
• Jingliang Li vs. Nordine Taleb

For more on UFC Fight Night 54, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Jingliang Li)

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