Rongzhu’s Closing Surge Outlasted Hubbard’s Wrestling
Rongzhu defeated Austin Hubbard by unanimous decision on August 23, 2025, at UFC Shanghai. The lightweight contest ended with scores of 30–27, 29–28 and 29–28 after Rongzhu’s sharper standing offense proved decisive across three competitive rounds.
Low kicks created an early problem for Hubbard
Rongzhu repeatedly attacked Hubbard’s lead leg while using his jab to establish distance. Hubbard answered with punches and sought takedowns, but had difficulty keeping his opponent grounded after bringing him toward the fence.
The opening exchanges established two different routes to success. Rongzhu wanted room for quick attacks, while Hubbard tried to use wrestling to interrupt that rhythm and create his own scoring opportunities.
The second round brought a stronger reply
Hubbard increased his offense and completed another takedown near the fence. Rongzhu worked back upright, but the American’s pressure and punching made the middle round more competitive.
Rongzhu could no longer depend on uninterrupted kicking exchanges. He had to defend entries, regain his position and continue matching Hubbard’s activity on the feet.
The final round secured another decision victory
Rongzhu pressed more assertively in the third and landed several clean punches while defending renewed takedown attempts. His late offense supplied the stronger finish to a contest that remained demanding throughout.
The result followed his February decision over Kody Steele at UFC 312, giving him a second victory during 2025. Against Hubbard, speed and a productive closing round helped turn a mixed striking-and-wrestling contest into another full-distance win.
Sources
- UFC: low kicks, wrestling exchanges and closing-round offense
- UFC: preceding Steele victory and Hubbard result
- Tapology: event date and lightweight matchup
