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Song Yadong reemerged as a top bantamweight contender in the aftermath of UFC Shanghai, and he's seeking a title shot.

Yadong took center stage inside SPD Bank Oriental Sports Center this past Saturday. He collided with Umar Nurmagomedov in a bantamweight clash. Prior to UFC Shanghai, Yadong hadn't finished a fight since early 2023. That changed in a big way after “The Kung Fu Kid†knocked out Nurmagomedov in the second round.

While the post-match actions of Nurmagomedov's brother and cornerman Usman Nurmagomedov has been a hot topic, Yadong wants to make sure the focus is on what truly matters. The top 135-pound contender told UFC News that it's time for him to get a crack at gold (via MMAJunkie).

“I think the UFC should give me the title shot,†Song said. “I feel like I can finish everyone. I can finish Petr, I can finish Merab. So, even the Sean fight was very close. If we rematch, I can finish him, too.â€

Yadong also said he was amped up by the home crowd, and he used that energy to help him pull off the upset win.

“I feel like the best moment in my life right now,†Song said. “I finished the best guy in our division, one of the best fighters, in front of my people. I feel amazing. I feel like this time, the easiest fight for me mentally. I feel like everyone gave me energy tonight.

“I feel ready to go. I was smiling, even when I was on bottom, I was OK because I'm so confident. It's not that crazy his wrestling. Actually I can defend, but on bottom, I can escape. One minute before the fight, Urijah (Faber) told me, ‘You're so much better than him, just believe in yourself.’â€

Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili are scheduled for a trilogy clash with the bantamweight gold at stake in the UFC 333 co-main event. While some believe that Sean O'Malley could be facing Yan if he wins the trilogy, things could sway in Yadong's favor if Dvalishvili gets the nod on Oct. 24.

Do you see Song Yadong potentially fighting the winner of Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili 3? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM

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Daniel Cormier has come under scrutiny for his take on Usman Nurmagomedov's post-fight actions right after the UFC Shanghai main event.

Nurmagomedov cornered his brother Umar for a pivotal bantamweight battle against Song Yadong this past Saturday. Umar was a heavy betting favorite going into the bout, but he suffered his first knockout loss in the second round. In a matter of seconds, Nurmagomedov rushed the Octagon and Yadong nearly ran into him during his post-fight celebration.

Some have even debated whether Nurmagomedov considered throwing an elbow at Yadong, or if he was simply looking behind him when Yadong ran towards his direction during the celebration. In a video uploaded on his YouTube channel, Cormier not only denied that Nurmagomedov tried to get a cheap shot on Yadong, but he also shared his belief that the PFL lightweight titleholder should be given leniency (via MMAFighting).

“The reason they won't let people jump [into the octagon] is because of the things that happened with Khabib and Conor [McGregor] and all those other things,†Cormier said. “They cannot control whenever the situation gets chaotic. “That's why Usman cannot do that. But I am more inclined to get him a bit of grace because you watch your brother get starched in that way.â€

Cormier's comments have irked some within the MMA community. X user @pawellwitt took issue with the UFC Hall of Famer siding with Nurmagomedov due to his friendship with the camp.

“He almost attacked him and Song wasn't running towards Usman but around the cage celebrating: They took his moment away and Usman should never be in the cage that quick in the first place. DC is obviously biased.â€

Ben Davis doesn't think Cormier's comments were well thought out.

“DC with another bad take,†Davis wrote.

Another X user, @karimdepresso, felt Nurmagomedov stole some shine away from Yadong during a moment where he should've stood outside the Octagon.

“Nah this ain't it. Even Khabib was tryna hold him back as it wasn't the time to get in like that. Lowkey ruined Song's moment.â€

Nurmagomedov's post-fight controversy comes during a crucial time in his pro MMA career. He is currently the biggest free agent in the sport having fulfilled his PFL contract after successfully defending the promotion's lightweight title against Archie Colgan at the end of July. Many feel Nurmagomedov could be making the jump imminently, but time will tell if that will be the case.

Do you agree with the criticism Daniel Cormier is facing for his comments on Usman Nurmagomedov's UFC Shanghai controversy? Join in on the conversation in the comments below.

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM

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Umar Nurmagomedov has spoken out after suffering the first knockout loss of his pro MMA career this past Saturday.

Nurmagomedov went one-on-one with Song Yadong inside SPD Bank Oriental Sports Center in the main event of UFC Shanghai. Nurmagomedov had some success controlling Yadong initially, but the “The Kung Fu Kid†eventually broke free and delivered a right hand before the second stanza.

Disaster struck for Nurmagomedov in the second round, as he was dropped by a punch when shooting in for a takedown. Yadong finished the fight with some follow-up punches, and Nurmagomedov was out cold for the first time.

Nurmagomedov delivered an update on his Instagram page, and he's ready to embrace the comeback journey.

“I'm doing fine. Alhamdulillah,†Nurmagomedov wrote. “A huge thank you to everyone who writes. I'll work on my mistakes. And I'll be back.â€

It's the second setback of Nurmagomedov's career. He had an unbeaten record of 18-0 prior to falling short in his bid for UFC bantamweight gold against Merab Dvalishvili in early 2025. Nurmagomedov rebounded with wins over Mario Bautista and former UFC flyweight titleholder Deiveson Figueiredo. The upset loss to Yadong will force Nurmagomedov to slide down the Meta UFC rankings panel, which is crucial given that he was the No. 2-ranked bantamweight prior to Saturday's defeat.

Yadong earned his second straight “Performance of the Night†bonus thanks to his efforts against Nurmagomedov, and he has reestablished himself as a top contender. Yadong is calling for a title shot, as he still believes he should've had his hand raised over Sean O'Malley in their UFC 324 clash back in January. For now, Yadong will get to enjoy his imminent return to the top five at 135 pounds.

Do you think Umar Nurmagomedov's UFC title aspirations have been dashed, or is there still time? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

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