Two of the most promising bantamweights around, Cody Stamann and Song Yadong, fought to a majority draw, though Stamann was likely deserving of the decision at UFC DC.
UFC DC featured two excellent rising bantamweights on the main card, with Cody Stamann, who is 4-1 in the Octagon, taking on Song Yadong, who has finished three of his four UFC opponents.
Cody Stamann took the center of the cage early on. Song Yadong rushed forward but came up short with his combination. The second combination he threw landed, as did the third. Stamann landed a jab that caused Yadong to reset. Yadong just missed on a spinning wheel kick, then ate a left hand from Stamann. Stamann shot for a takedown against the cage, then Yadong started to establish a front choke. Stamann was defending well, then Yadong landed a knee to the head of his grounded opponent, immediately losing a point. After action resumed, Yadong came out swinging, but wasn’t landing effectively. Stamann tacked on a takedown before the round came to a close.
Yadong worked some body kicks to start the second round, then sprawled on a takedown effort from Stamann. On the way up, Stamann landed a combination. Yadong landed a leg kick then a pair of lefts, with Stamann answering by connecting with a combination. Yadong clinched up and went for a takedown, but Stamann defended. Stamann then shot and dumped Yadong on the canvas. Yadong craftily snuck around and took the back of Stamann, but the latter was able to stand up. Another takedown landed for Stamann, but Yadong reversed positions and landed a crushing elbow, ending the round on top.
Cody Stamann got an early takedown to kick off the final round. Yadong tried to take the back, but came up short and Stamann remained on top. Stamann transitioned to half guard and Yadong was trapped on bottom. Stamann unloaded as time expired in the third round. He celebrated by jumping on top of the cage and yelling, “Underdog!” several times.
But he didn’t come away with a victory, as the judges oddly called it a draw.
Cody Stamann and Song Yadong Fight to a Majority Draw (29-27, 28-28 x2)
