Song Yadong produced one of the biggest victories of his UFC career by knocking out Umar Nurmagomedov in the second round of their bantamweight main event in Shanghai.
Fighting in front of a passionate home audience at the Oriental Sports Center, Song entered the contest as the underdog against the former championship challenger but delivered a dramatic finish that could move him closer to a fight for Petr Yan’s bantamweight crown.
The opening round was relatively measured as both fighters exchanged strikes while Song remained alert to Nurmagomedov’s wrestling threat.
Song increased the pressure after the break, and the decisive moment arrived less than two minutes into round two. Nurmagomedov attempted to change levels for a takedown, but Song reacted brilliantly with a powerful right uppercut that immediately ended the contest.
Following the victory, the 28 year old called for an opportunity to compete for the UFC championship and declared his ambition to become China’s first male UFC titleholder.
The result improved Song’s professional record to 24 wins and nine defeats. He has now secured victories in three of his last four appearances, with his only recent setback coming against former champion Sean O’Malley in January.
China also enjoyed further success on the card. Light heavyweight Liu Ce made an impressive UFC debut by stopping Brazil’s Levi Rodrigues Jr at 2:28 of the second round.
Sumudaerji also earned a unanimous decision victory against Alex Perez in their flyweight rematch.
The Shanghai event attracted 16,188 spectators, establishing a new attendance record for a UFC Fight Night staged in Asia.
With 21 Chinese athletes currently on the UFC roster, the promotion’s presence in the country continues to expand, while officials have suggested a numbered UFC event featuring championship fights could eventually return to China.
