Song Yadong calls Umar Nurmagomedov knockout the best moment of his life

Song Yadong delivered a major upset at UFC Shanghai. The Chinese bantamweight knocked out Umar Nurmagomedov in the second round on Saturday, handing the highly regarded contender his second professional defeat. Following the victory, Yadong described the knockout as the best moment of his life before making his case for a rematch with bantamweight champion Petr Yan.

Song Yadong Celebrates Huge Upset

Yadong faced a major challenge in Nurmagomedov. Entering the bout as a heavy underdog, the Chinese fighter was facing the division's No. 2 contender, one of the weight class' most accomplished wrestlers and grapplers and a fighter widely regarded as a future bantamweight champion. Still, Yadong pulled off the upset, knocking Nurmagomedov out with a devastating uppercut in the second round. Speaking to UFC on Paramount+, the Chinese fighter reflected on the significance of the victory.

"Amazing. I'm feeling amazing," Yadong began. "I feel like this is the best moment in my life, right now. I knocked out Umar. Everybody's saying he's the best fighter and he has very good grappling. Everyone's saying he's a future champion. See what happened? I knocked him out. I'm so proud of myself."

Song Yadong Eyes Petr Yan Rematch

Yadong's victory over Nurmagomedov came just three months after another important win, as the Chinese fighter submitted former champion Deiveson Figueiredo in May. Now, Yadong believes his recent run has earned him a shot at the title, which could give him the opportunity to avenge his previous loss to Petr Yan.

The Russian champion defeated Yadong by unanimous decision in March 2024, but the Chinese fighter believes a rematch would produce a different result. Yadong said he was too young and rushed when they first met and is now confident he could not only beat Yan but also finish him by knockout.

"I like a rematch with Petr, because we fought back two years ago," Yadong said. "I was too young; I was too rushed. But I feel like just a little bit. I can win that fight. So, if a rematch, I can also knock him out, I believe."

With the win over one of the bantamweight division's most highly regarded contenders, Yadong has put himself firmly in the title conversation. Whether the UFC gives him a rematch against Yan or another opportunity, the Chinese fighter has already made it clear what he wants next.