Song Yadong Scores Second-Round KO Over No. 3 Umar in China, Demands a Title Shot

[Financial News] 'The Kung Fu Kid,' Song Yadong (28, China), secured the biggest victory of his career in Shanghai, where he made his UFC debut nine years ago, and called for a title opportunity.
UFC bantamweight (61.2 kg) No. 6-ranked Song Yadong knocked out No. 3 Umar Nurmagomedov (30, Russia) with a right uppercut at 1 minute, 48 seconds of the second round in the main event of 'UFC Fight Night: Nurmagomedov vs. Song Yadong,' held on the 29th local time at the Pudong Development Bank Oriental Sports Center in Shanghai, China.
In the first round, Nurmagomedov caught Song Yadong's left-leg kick and completed a takedown. Song Yadong countered with a guillotine choke, but Nurmagomedov escaped and maintained control from the top position.
After being controlled for more than a minute, Song Yadong escaped on the ground with a deep-half guard sweep. He then countered with a powerful right-hand body shot. In the end, he stopped the wrestling and finished the fight with punches.
Song Yadong gained momentum by defending Nurmagomedov's takedown attempts. On Nurmagomedov's second attempt, Song Yadong's right uppercut landed cleanly on his temple. Nurmagomedov collapsed and lost consciousness.
Song Yadong ran toward the stands and celebrated his victory in front of the home crowd. In his post-fight interview, he called for a title shot. He first shouted, "Who's next?" and then said, "Nobody believed in me, but my teammates believed in me, and in the end, I won."
He continued, "It may not be today, tomorrow, or next month, but I will become China's first male champion," before raising his voice and saying, "Give me a title shot." Finally, he said, "Nine years ago, I wanted to say that I could compete in the Octagon, but now, nine years later, I want to prove that I am the best fighter in the world."
UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan will make his first title defense since reclaiming the belt against No. 1-ranked Movsar Evloev at "UFC 333: Volkanovski vs. Evloev," scheduled for October 25.
With this victory, Song Yadong emerged as a leading candidate for the next title shot alongside No. 2-ranked Sean O'Malley. In the co-main event, UFC strawweight (52.2 kg) No. 14-ranked 'D' Denise Gomes (26, Brazil) knocked out No. 4-ranked Yan Xiaonan (37, China) with a combination of an elbow and follow-up punches at 4 minutes, 49 seconds of the first round.
The two fighters engaged in a fierce striking battle from the opening bell. Gomes gradually took control, landing a powerful right overhand hook among other strikes. She eventually caught Yan Xiaonan with an elbow counter as Yan threw a straight punch, then finished her with a flurry of punches. Gomes said, "I've faced many difficulties in my life, and this victory is the reward for them." Asked about her next opponent, she replied, "Anyone."


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