Usman Nurmagomedov Tells Critics to “Calm Down” After UFC Shanghai Cage Jump

Song Yadong might have grabbed the headlines with his spectacular homecoming at UFC Shanghai. However, one could argue that Usman Nurmagomedov briefly stole the thunder with his unexpected cage jump following the main event.

Fans were quick to turn on the PFL Lightweight Champion, with many viewing the incident as more than an emotional rush to his brother’s side. After all, Nurmagomedov burst through the cage door and nearly connected with Yadong in the process, sparking speculation that the chaotic moment could have escalated into an altercation with the newly crowned winner.

Now, in the aftermath, the young Nurmagomedov has finally set the record straight.

Usman Nurmagomedov Snubs “Conspiracy Theories”

Watching the moment unfold in real time, it was easy to understand why the internet went into overdrive. Umar Nurmagomedov had just been knocked unconscious by Song Yadong in round of their main event fight. His brother Usman was sitting cageside when the “Kung fu Kid” sent the Dagestani crashing down to the canvas, and instinct appeared to take over.

Usman immediately rushed. Even Khabib Nurmagomedov, who was in Umar's corner, appeared to realize what was about to happen. Footage shows the former UFC lightweight champion trying to stop his cousin as he made his way toward the Octagon, even grabbing at him in an attempt to keep him from rushing inside to no avail. 

Meanwhile, the young Nurmagomedov made it through the cage door and headed straight for his unconscious brother.

Usman Nurmagomedov Nearly Elbows Song Yadong

However, Yadong wasn’t done celebrating. The Chinese fighter sprinted around the Octagon and crossed paths with the Dagestani, creating the awkward and potentially explosive moment that has since gone viral.

The reigning PFL Lightweight Champion can be seen trying to make a backward elbow motion before pulling it back just in time. Still, the optics were hard to ignore. Taking to Instagram, the 28-year-old pushed back against those suggesting he deliberately tried to attack Yadong.

“People are making such a huge tragedy out of this; they really ought to calm down,” he wrote, before arguing that there are far more serious things happening in the world If I had wanted to, I would have hit him.”

Nurmagomedov then went on to accuse his detractors of being “spiteful, petty, and envious,” arguing that they could not understand what it meant to see a brother in that situation.

That doesn't make the cage jump permissible. In fact, it doesn't erase the fact that fighters' corners are expected to wait for officials and medical personnel to clear the scene. Daniel Cormier made that same argument. While the former UFC champion did not excuse the cage jump itself, he acknowledged that his AKA teammate wasn't supposed to enter the Octagon.

The Timing Makes Usman's Future Even More Intriguing

The irony is that Usman doesn't exactly need another controversy hanging over his head right now. He is arguably one of the biggest prizes in MMA free agency.

The Russian recently completed his PFL contract and has been linked heavily with a potential move to the UFC. Dana White has already made it clear that the promotion has an interest in signing the undefeated lightweight, who boasts an unblemished 22-0 record.

To make matters more interesting, the fighter has already demonstrated that he's willing to bet on his own value. He recently revealed that he turned down a $2 million offer from the PFL as negotiations over a new deal continue.

That doesn't promise an immediate UFC move, but  the decision tells its own story. Furthermore, that puts the UFC Shanghai incident in an interesting context.

The PFL lightweight champion is simultaneously trying to position himself for the biggest move of his career while dealing with a viral moment that has made him one of the most talked-about fighters in MMA for reasons that have nothing to do with his performances.