Xinjiang's Maheshate opens UFC Fight Night Shanghai with a bang

Despite coming back on short notice, China's mixed martial artist Maheshate made the most out of his return to the Octagon, closing out the UFC Fight Night Shanghai's Friday action with a thrilling submission win.

Waived by the Ultimate Fighting Championship a year ago after back-to-back losses, Maheshate, who hails from Ili Kazakh autonomous prefecture in Xinjiang, did not expect to get an immediate second chance to prove himself on the world's highest-profile MMA stage.

Not until he was given one on Friday and did so in an unexpectedly stunning fashion.

Added to the card a week ago to fill in for his compatriot Taiyilake, Maheshate couldn't have done a better job in Shanghai, as he submitted grappler Darrius Flowers of the United States with a first-round guillotine choke in their lightweight main event, announcing his comeback in style.

"I think I am a way more mature MMA athlete now than I was during my first stint with the UFC," said the 26-year-old striker, who earned his first UFC contract in 2021 as a winner on the Dana White's Contender Series.

"I was too young when I first signed up with the UFC, and didn't make wise enough decisions (in picking opponents).

"I fight with more poise now, and I don't get panicked or feel too much pressure when facing tough situations during fights," said Maheshate, who completed his first spell with UFC with a 2-4 win-loss record.

Approached by the UFC to replace Taiyilake, who had to withdraw from the Shanghai card due to a sudden injury, Maheshate is very likely to have agreed to a minimum three-fight contract with the Las Vegas-based promotion.

He opted not to set his sights too far, or too high, this time around.

"I don't know how far I can go on my return. I just love this sport, and my priority will be working as hard as I can in training on a daily basis and only focusing on the next fight," said the product of Enbo Fight Club in Sichuan province.