Bantamweight Umar Nurmagomedov headlines UFC Shanghai against China’s own Song Yadong, an opponent he recently became very familiar with.
That’s because both athletes have been training at the UFC Performance Institute in Shanghai.
“It’s funny. We met each other every day, but we didn’t train together. Always they tried to make us separate,” Nurmagomedov (20-1) told media outlets during this week’s UFC Shanghai media day. “He had his own time, I had my time. We closed cage, we even don’t see our training. But it’s funny, we meet each other every day, and we don’t have any pressure, just respect. I think we’re both ready.”
Nurmagomedov came up short against Merab Dvalishvili in a title fight at UFC 311 in January 2025. Since that loss, the only defeat of his professional MMA career, the Dagestani has picked up decision victories over Mario Bautista and Deiveson Figueiredo. Should he be victorious against Song Yadong in the UFC Shanghai main event, he expects to be on the short list for a title shot.
“Who else? I think we’re both going to be one of the contenders. Also, I think it depends on who’s going to win for the title,” suggested Nurmagomedov. “If Petr’s going to win, I think they’re going to do a rematch with O’Malley.”
Petr Yan is set to face Merab Dvalishvili in the rubber match of their trilogy later this year. Ex-champ Sean O’Malley, meanwhile, has won both of his fights this year, against Yadong, and Aiemann Zahabi at the White House.
Watch the full UFC Shanghai media day appearance by Umar Nurmagomedov above.
