Song Yadong Offered UFC Title Shot on One Condition by Top Contender Sean O’Malley

Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley reveals the title matchup Song Yadong deserves after UFC Shanghai.

Song Yadong Offered UFC Title Shot on One Condition by Top Contender Sean O’Malley

Sean O'Malley lays out future plan for Song Yadong (via Yahoo Sports)

Song Yadong shocked the world at UFC Shanghai when he knocked Dagestani star Umar Nurmagomedov out cold. The Chinese star secured the biggest victory of his UFC career. The result has pushed Yadong into the bantamweight top-five picture. Interestingly, even former rival Sean O’Malley was stunned by his performance.

Nurmagomedov entered the bout as a -550 favorite, looking to strengthen his case for another UFC bantamweight title opportunity. Yadong was a +430 underdog, but completely turned the tables with his stunning knockout victory. The upset strengthened the Chinese star’s own chances of securing a future title opportunity.

After the victory, Yadong made his title ambitions clear by calling for a bantamweight title shot. O’Malley reacted to the fight on his YouTube channel and was shocked by the spectacular knockout. However, the former champion also had an interesting plan for Yadong’s future, suggesting another major fight before a title opportunity.

Song fights the Suga Show in January, loses, comes back, submits Deiveson Figueiredo and then knocks out Umar Nurmagomedov. Wow. I want to see Song vs. Merab. I’ve been saying this for a couple of years now, I think like, even before I fought Merab. I’m like, ‘Song’s a problem for Merab.’ If Merab wins the title, Song vs. Merab.

Sean O’Malley via his YouTube channel

O’Malley’s reaction is notable given his history with Yadong, whom ‘Suga’ previously defeated by unanimous decision at UFC 324. Tensions emerged during their buildup after Yadong criticized O’Malley for wearing a mask during their faceoff. However, the former champion later apologized and clarified that he did not intend to insult Yadong.

Interestingly, Yadong earned the Nurmagomedov matchup after his UFC Macau performance in May 2026. The Chinese star submitted former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo with a guillotine choke in Round 2. The victory strengthened Yadong’s position among the bantamweight division.

O’Malley’s comments now pit Yadong against Merab Dvalishvili, who is preparing for a trilogy bout against Petr Yan at UFC 333. Dvalishvili is seeking to avenge his UFC 323 loss to Yan and reclaim the bantamweight title. The outcome directly affects Yadong’s path, as either fighter could become his next championship target.

However, if Yan triumphs at UFC 333, a rematch with Yadong could be an interesting option given their history. The Russian phenom previously defeated Yadong by unanimous decision at UFC 299 after three competitive rounds. A second meeting would give the Chinaman an opportunity to avenge that loss while potentially challenging Yan for the title.

Song Yadong’s spectacular UFC Shanghai victory leaves multiple possibilities open, especially with Sean O’Malley also chasing another title opportunity.

The former champion previously defeated Petr Yan by narrow split decision at UFC 280. However, it remains to be seen what comes next for ‘The Kung Fu Kid’ after his statement victory.

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Song Yadong quoted former champion to call for title shot at UFC Shanghai

Song Yadong has built his UFC career through major wins over established bantamweights, including Marlon Vera and Marlon Moraes. He also defeated Henry Cejudo in 2025 and submitted Deiveson Figueiredo in May 2026. However, losses to Cory Sandhagen, Petr Yan, and Sean O’Malley have interrupted his progress toward a title shot.

The victory over Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC Shanghai was undoubtedly the biggest win of Yadong’s career. He stopped the No. 3-ranked contender with a second-round knockout at 1:48, delivering a major upset. The result marked Yadong’s second straight victory and significantly strengthened his case for a title opportunity.

Song Yadong
Song Yadong (via Yahoo Sports)

Following the victory, Yadong made his title ambitions clear by calling for a bantamweight championship opportunity. He also outlined his goal of becoming the first Chinese male UFC champion. His demand came after defeating a top-three contender, strengthening his case for the next title opportunity.

Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, maybe not next month, but I will be the first Chinese male UFC champion. Give me the title shot.

Song Yadong via UFC Shanghai octagon interview

The callout also connects to former UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno’s memorable post-fight speech after his 2017 victory over Dustin Ortiz.

Moreno declared his ambition to become UFC champion, eventually achieving that goal. Song Yadong has now expressed a similar ambition while pursuing his own place in UFC history.

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