Former UFC bantamweight title challenger Umar Nurmagomedov could potentially earn another title shot at UFC Shanghai.
Bantamweight contender Umar Nurmagomedov is searching for another shot at the belt after a surprising loss to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311. But Nurmagomedov has done his job since his first career defeat, earning wins over the likes of Mario Bautista and former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo.
After Petr Yan returned to the bantamweight throne by defeating Dvalishvili in December, the door is wide open for Nurmagomedov and other contenders to make strong cases for a title shot. While a Yan vs. Dvalishvili trilogy is likely in the works for later this year, Nurmagomedov could steal the spotlight with another big performance.
As the UFC gets ready to return to Shanghai, China, for an upcoming Fight Night event, Nurmagomedov will face another one of the division’s exciting young stars.
Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Song Yadong booked for UFC Shanghai showdown
As confirmed by MMA Mania, Nurmagomedov will face Song Yadong in the UFC Shanghai main event on August 29th. Red Fury MMA was the first to report the news of the Nurmagomedov vs. Yadong fight.
Yadong returns to the Octagon after defeating Figueiredo in May in Macau. He bounced back well after a decisive loss to former UFC champion Sean O’Malley at UFC 324.
Yadong has traded wins and losses in recent years, with victories coming against the likes of Henry Cejudo, Chris Gutierrez, and Ricky Simon. A win over an opponent of Nurmagomedov’s caliber would almost certainly earn Yadong a title shot.
Nurmagomedov was originally set to fight surging contender David Martinez at UFC Abu Dhabi before Martinez withdrew from the bout.
The full UFC Macau fight card is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.
What is your prediction for Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Song Yadong? Let us know in the comments!
