Umar Nurmagomedov Challenge Sees Song Yadong Intensely Prepare With Controversial Wrestling Influencer

Umar Nurmagomedov looks to strengthen his title shot credentials as he takes on Song Yadong at UFC Shanghai.

Umar Nurmagomedov Challenge Sees Song Yadong Intensely Prepare With Controversial Wrestling Influencer

Song Yadong set to take on Umar Nurmagomedov (via X)

Umar Nurmagomedov remains a strong contender in the bantamweight division after recovering from his first loss. The Dagestani star has rebounded with back-to-back wins since losing his first title fight to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311. Nurmagomedov now looks to extend that momentum with a win over Song Yadong at UFC Shanghai.

Nurmagomedov enters UFC Shanghai with two consecutive wins. His latest victory came against former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo, whom he defeated by unanimous decision at UFC 324. Before that, he overcame an early knockout scare against Mario Bautista before dominating the fight with his elite wrestling at UFC 321.

Yadong recently trained with Georgio Poullas ahead of his UFC Shanghai fight against Nurmagomedov. The session featured the Chinese bantamweight working on wrestling techniques and takedowns with Poullas. Interestingly, the controversial RAF star praised Yadong’s takedown defense following their training session.

Poullas has hosted multiple UFC stars on his Kick streams, featuring wrestling sessions with established fighters. Interestingly, Yadong is not the only bantamweight to appear on his content. Merab Dvalishvili previously tested Poullas over five wrestling rounds before later advising him on how to succeed in combat sports.

Poullas first came to prominence through his rivalry with Arman Tsarukyan at RAF 6 in February 2026. Their match featured repeated rough exchanges, including slaps and escalating physicality throughout. After the Armenian superstar won 5-3, he tackled Poullas and threw punches, sparking a brawl involving both teams.

The rivalry was finally settled at RAF 7, where Tsarukyan dominated Poullas and secured a 9-3 victory. Tsarukyan sealed the win with a big throw before Poullas honored their $10,000 bet after the match. The American wrestler later paid Tsarukyan, who immediately donated the money to help a sick child.

Yadong also presents a major threat on the ground, as shown in his most recent outing against Deiveson Figueiredo. ‘The Kung Fu Kid’ secured a quick guillotine choke submission in the second round. The Macau fight marked his return to the win column after the unanimous decision loss to Sean O’Malley at UFC 324.

Umar Nurmagomedov now looks to return to the bantamweight title discussion with another victory in Shanghai. A win over Song Yadong could put the former title challenger back into contention. However, the Chinese star’s recent session with Georgio Poullas highlights his preparation for the crucial matchup.

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Merab Dvalishvili fires back at Umar Nurmagomedov with heated warning

Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov developed a heated rivalry before their UFC 311 title fight. Dvalishvili felt Nurmagomedov had disrespected him and questioned his title opportunity. Their tense confrontation intensified the rivalry before the Georgian star won by unanimous decision.

Dvalishvili was recently involved in a heated altercation with Akhmed Gadzhimagomedov at the RAF Georgia press conference. Gadzhimagomedov confronted him after comments about Umar, leading to a physical confrontation. Dvalishvili slapped the Dagestani wrestler before security separated them.

Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov
Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov (via MMA Fighting)

Nurmagomedov has now responded to Dvalishvili’s altercation with Gadzhimagomedov at RAF Georgia. The former title challenger criticized Dvalishvili’s actions and questioned how he could justify striking Gadzhimagomedov. Nurmagomedov’s response has now drawn ‘The Machine’ back into their ongoing rivalry.

Umar and some small people keep talking trash about me. You guys don’t know about life. I’m a man, and if you come to me, pull me over, disrespect me, and start talking loudly to me in a different language, I’ll slap your face because that’s who I am. That’s how I grew up, and that’s my culture.

Merab Dvalishvili via Instagram

Merab Dvalishvili is set to face bantamweight champion Petr Yan at UFC 333 as he looks to reclaim his title. Meanwhile, Umar Nurmagomedov has made clear that he wants revenge despite having nothing personal against the Georgian. The rivalry therefore remains alive as both fighters pursue their title goals.

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