Song Yadong believes Umar Nurmagomedov win will earn him UFC title shot
The Chinese bantamweight believes defeating Nurmagomedov at UFC Shanghai could put him next in line for the title.
After defeating Deiveson Figueiredo back in May, Song Yadong is preparing for another major challenge in the UFC. On Saturday, the Chinese fighter will face Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC Shanghai in a bantamweight bout that could have major implications in the division. With one of the weight class' top contenders standing across from him, Yadong is confident that a victory over Nurmagomedov would be enough to earn him a shot at the title.
Song Yadong Expects Title Shot with Umar Nurmagomedov Win
With only one loss in his professional career and currently sitting at No. 2 in the weight class, Nurmagomedov has established himself as one of the leading contenders in the bantamweight division. Given Nurmagomedov's position in the division, Yadong believes a victory over his opponent would put him next in line for a title shot.
"Everyone knows Umar is the best fighter," Yadong told MMA Junkie. "If I beat him, UFC will definitely give me the title shot after this. I believe in myself that I can win this fight for sure."
A win over Nurmagomedov would represent another major victory for Yadong, who has already faced several of the division's most accomplished fighters. The Chinese contender believes his experience has prepared him for a matchup of this magnitude.
Song Yadong Feels Ready for UFC Shanghai
While a victory could put him in line for a title shot, Yadong also believes the timing of the Nurmagomedov fight could not be better. After years competing against high-level opposition, the Chinese fighter says he has gained the experience needed for a matchup of this magnitude.
"For me, right now is perfect time for me," Yadong said. "I feel like I fought a lot of good fighters, so I got more experience. So, for this fight, I'm super ready. I had a very great camp. I started my camp at Team Alpha Male and before the camp, I went to Georgia for wrestling for almost two weeks."
Besides his work at Team Alpha Male, Yadong traveled to Georgia to train with high-level wrestlers as part of his preparation for Nurmagomedov. The Chinese fighter also said that former WEC champion Urijah Faber has helped him develop strategies specifically for the challenge presented by his opponent.
A victory at UFC Shanghai could move Yadong a step closer to the title opportunity he believes is within reach. First, however, he will have to overcome one of the toughest tests available in the bantamweight division.
