Umar Nurmagomedov Faces Song Yadong In High Stakes UFC Shanghai Main Event

Umar Nurmagomedov and Song Yadong will face off in an important UFC bantamweight bout as both fighters try to inch one step closer to a future title shot.

One of the division's top contender Nurmagomedov begins the fight.

Fighting out of Dagestan he has made his name with great wrestling solid grappling and intelligent striking.

He’s coming off his first professional loss to Merab Dvalishvili but he’s responded with big wins and is determined to get back into the title conversation.

But a song is a different challenge but the Chinese challenger will be fighting in front of his home fans in Shanghai and will attempt to utilize his powerful hitting and fast combinations to keep Nurmagomedov out of his favorite grappling range.

The bout has drawn significant attention as both boxers are ranked around the top of the bantamweight class.

A convincing win would provide the winner a solid case for a future title bout.

Nurmagomedov should look for takedowns and control the fight. Song’s best chance is when the fight is on the feet and his striking power and ability to defend takedowns could make things difficult for the Russian.

Many of the projections had Nurmagomedov as the strong favorite, with his wrestling and overall control considered big assets.

But Song is experienced enough and has the striking prowess to make it competitive.

That means the UFC Shanghai main event might be a big moment for both fighters.

Nurmagomedov will be looking to launch another title run while Song has the opportunity to pull off a career changing upset in front of his home fans.

Recent press also mentions Nurmagomedov as the favorite and discusses the fight’s implications on the UFC bantamweight title picture.