Bantamweight contenders Umar Nurmagomedov and Song Yadong closed out UFC Shanghai on Saturday, looking to secure their spot in a title picture that also had Sean O’Malley in the mix.
Much would depend on the outcome of the upcoming Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili 3, a title fight booked for later this year. But Song and Nurmagomedov were potentially just one fight away from their own shot at gold (in the case of Umar, a second title shot).
Nurmagomedov found himself in trouble early when shooting in on a takedown only to be caught in a guillotine, but Song simply couldn’t hang onto it. That gave Umar plenty of time, just over half a round, to work, as he settled in while in half guard. Song was nowhere near the fence and simply had no space to scramble out. He would eventually get back up, maybe with a bit of a confidence boost.
Round two saw Song stuff a takedown inside the opening minute, another small mental victory. Nurmagomedov did connect with a punch, but Song smiled and ate it. The pair appeared to clash heads, accidentally, but fought through it. Then came the stunning finish: with Song bloodied presumably off that head clash, he threw an uppercut that had Nurmagomedov hurt after it clipped Umar along the ear. Nurmagomedov went down, and Song added three more punches as the ref charged in to call things off!
A massive, stunning, shocking result. Had Song Yadong stolen a decision against Nurmagoemdov, whose only loss had been on the scorecards against Merab Dvaslishvili, fans would have taken notice. Stopping Nurmagomedov gives the win that much more weight, giving Song a highlight reel moment and a victory that will be talked about for some time.
Official Result: Song Yadong def. Umar Nurmagomedov by knockout (punches), Round 2, 1:48
