TUF China Finale results: Anying Wang earns TKO as Albert Cheng's eye swells shut

MACAU – Just as things appeared to get going, Anying Wang (2-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) picked up a surprise TKO win after opponent Albert Cheng (2-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC) couldn’t continue due to a badly swollen eye.

The welterweight bout, which included semifinalists from “TUF: China,”  was part of the preliminary card of today’s TUF China Finale event at The Venetian Macao’s CotaiArena. It streamed on UFC Fight Pass.

The first round initially proved a dud. An initial feeling-out process was followed with lackluster striking in which little landed from either fighter. However, once the crowd unleashed a loud flood of boos, the rookies engaged in a spirited firefight, which Wang got the better of as he bloodied his opponent with punches and kicks.

That exchange ultimately proved fruitful. Between rounds, the fight was waved off as Cheng’s eye quickly swelled up and shut. The doctor took a look at the mangled socket and quickly declared the fighter unable to continue.

While fans initially booed the decision, Cheng’s eye continued to swell, possibly the result of a broken orbital, and proved the doctor’s decision was a wise one.

The official stoppage came at the 5:00 mark of the first round.

“I didn’t expect to engage him in a standup contest and I was trying to prevent him from any takedowns,” Wang said. “My coach warned me to be careful of his ground game and to stop him from taking me down. I’m quite surprised that the fight ended in the first round, but I guess the doctor knows best.”

Up-to-the-minute TUF China Finale results include:

• Anying Wang def. Albert Cheng via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) – Round 1, 5:00
• Mark Eddiva def. Jumabieke Tuerxun via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

For complete coverage of the TUF China Finale, stay tuned to the UFC Events section of the site.

John Morgan contributed to this report on-site in Macau.