Starting out as a Shuai jiao, wrestler, Wuliji Buren competed in the China National Shuai jiao Tournament, where he took third place. After watching UFC for years, in 2013 he retired from the wrestling team and made the decision to do MMA.[1]
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
In the beginning of his mixed martial arts career, Wuliji fought primarily in Chinese regional scene. After racking up a record of 9–4, he fought for the Chin Woo Men MMA Professional League Featherweight Championship, which he won in the finals with a submission win over Ye Yuan.[1]
Ultimate Fighting Championship
In his UFC debut, Wuliji Buren faced Rolando Dy in UFC Fight Night: Bisping vs. Gastelum on November 25, 2017.[2][3] At the weigh-ins, Dy weighed in at 148 lbs., two pounds over the featherweight limit. As a result, he forfeited 20% of his purse to Buren and the bout was fought at a catchweight.[4] Wuliji lost the fight by unanimous decision.[5]
Wuliji faced Marlon Vera on August 8, 2018, at UFC 227.[6] He lost the fight via TKO in the second round.[7]
His next fight came on February 9, 2019, at UFC 234 against Jonathan Martinez.[8] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[9]
After his third straight loss and inactivity of almost a year, Wuliji Buren was released from the UFC in January 2020.[10]
Road to UFC
After his release from the UFC, Buren returned to the Chinese regional scene, winning his next three bouts via submission; second round shoulder choke against Aleksandr Lunga at WLF W.A.R.S. 39, second round guillotine at WLF W.A.R.S. 41 against Nikolay Kondratuk, and finally first round arm-triangle choke at Huya FC against Lei Yu. He would lose his next bout at WLF MMA 52 against Keremuaili Maimaitituohati via unanimous decision, before rebounding by winning in 29 seconds via flying knee against Akenbieke Ayijiake.[11]
