SHANGHAI, China — Song Yadong entered UFC Fight Night 286 as a massive underdog against Umar Nurmagomedov. He left the Shanghai Oriental Sports Center with one of the biggest victories of his career and a message for the rest of the bantamweight division.
Song (24-9-1 MMA, 13-4-1 UFC) pulled off a stunning upset Saturday, knocking out former title challenger Nurmagomedov (20-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC) just 1:48 into the second round of their main event.
Fighting in front of his home-country crowd in China, Song weathered Nurmagomedov’s wrestling in the opening round before finding the shot he needed in the second. And when it landed, the fight ended quickly.
Nurmagomedov opened the fight by attacking Song’s legs before Song answered with kicks of his own, including a shot to the body.
The former title challenger soon turned to his biggest strength.
After catching one of Song’s kicks, Nurmagomedov secured a takedown and put the Team Alpha Male fighter on his back. Song immediately threatened with a guillotine choke, but Nurmagomedov escaped and established control on the ground.
Song remained composed and eventually worked his way back to his feet with just over a minute remaining in the opening round.
It was an important moment. Nurmagomedov had demonstrated that he could take Song down, but he hadn’t been able to keep him there for the remainder of the round. That would become even more significant in the second.
One Uppercut Changes Everything
Nurmagomedov continued attacking with kicks as Round 2 began before attempting another takedown. This time, Song was ready. Song stuffed the attempt and kept the fight standing. Moments later, as Nurmagomedov dipped forward, Song fired a short right uppercut that landed around the ear.
Nurmagomedov was immediately hurt. Song recognized it and attacked. A barrage of follow-up punches sent Nurmagomedov crashing down, with the referee stepping in to stop the fight at 1:48 of Round 2.
Just like that, one of the bantamweight division’s most difficult puzzles had been solved. Song had done it with a knockout.
Song Wants His Title Shot
Following the biggest upset of the night, Song didn’t waste the opportunity to make his intentions clear. During his post-fight Octagon interview with Brendan Fitzgerald, Song called for a shot at the UFC bantamweight championship.
It’s a demand that will be difficult to ignore. Song has now won three of his last four fights, with his only defeat during that stretch coming by narrow decision against former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley in January.
More importantly, defeating Nurmagomedov gives Song the type of signature victory that can completely change a fighter’s position in a crowded title picture.
Nurmagomedov entered the matchup with championship experience and was widely viewed as one of the most dangerous fighters at 135 pounds. Song didn’t simply beat him he stopped him.
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