One of the top prospects in the world will face his most high profile opponent to date as Song Yadong is expected to face Marlon Moraes on March 12.
Top UFC bantamweight Song Yadong will be taking a step up in competition as he takes on former WSOF champion and UFC title challenger Marlon Moraes on March 12. MMA Junkie was first to report the news.
Yadong (18-5-1) is looking to make a run towards the upper echelon of the division in 2022 after having enjoyed a successful run this year. Fighting out of Team Alpha Male, Yadong went 2-1 in 2021 in losing to Kyler Phillips but winning against Casey Kenney and Julio Arce. Yadong was also voted number one on ESPN’s Top 25 Prospects Under 25 list for the year.
Moraes (23-9-1) is in desperate need of a victory after losing to Cory Sandhagen, Rob Font, and Merab Dvalishvili. “Magic” was previously regarded as one of the top contenders at 135 pounds after riding a four fight win-streak to a title shot against Henry Cejudo. A win over Yadong would help to stop his descent in the rankings and reinfect momentum into his career. His last fight was against Dvalishvili in September.
No location for the event has been given at this time. The card is scheduled to be headlined by a bout between former light heavyweight title challenger Thiago Santos and surging contender Magomed Ankalaev.
