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Song Yadong knocks out Nurmagomedov at UFC Shanghai

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2026-09-03 03:06 UTC → 2026-09-04 23:41 UTC · added ~~removed~~

UFC Fight Night took place on August 29, 2026, at the Shanghai Oriental Sports Center. The event was headlined by a high-stakes bantamweight matchup between No. 3-ranked Umar Nurmagomedov and China’s No. 6-ranked Song Yadong, a bout with significant implications for the division's title picture. Song Yadong secured a major upset victory, knocking out Nurmagomedov in the second round with a right uppercut. This result marks Nurmagomedov’s first career knockout loss and has propelled Song into the top-five bantamweight rankings. Song achieved the knockout by capitalizing on Nurmagomedov’s tendency to lower his head during takedown attempts. Following the win, Song called for a championship opportunity, stating, “I think the UFC should give me a title shot. I feel like I can finish everyone.” He also expressed skepticism regarding Nurmagomedov’s ability to recover and contend for a title, citing the physical and mental toll of the loss. Song noted that the victory has made him feel like a “superstar” in China due to intense local recognition. Sean O’Malley noted that Song’s performance suggests he poses a “significant problem” for Merab Dvalishvili. Additionally, former fighter Brandon Shaub suggested that Song’s victory provides a “blueprint” for facing Dagestani wrestlers, noting the result may diminish the aura of invincibility surrounding fighters from that region. Shaub posited that current champion Islam Makhachev could be a future target for fighters using aggressive striking to counter grappling dominance. In the aftermath of the knockout, a post-fight collision involving Usman Nurmagomedov drew scrutiny. While Song suggested the movement appeared defensive, UFC President Dana White stated that Usman “crossed the line” with his actions. Following the bout, Belal Muhammad expressed sympathy for Nurmagomedov, noting the difficulty of the loss for the fighter and his team.

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