Song Yadong Reveals Reason for ‘Smiling’ Throughout Career-Defining Win Over Umar Nurmagomedov

UFC bantamweight Song Yadong was really calm and composed before knocking Umar Nurmagomedov out cold last weekend.

Song Yadong Reveals Reason for ‘Smiling’ Throughout Career-Defining Win Over Umar Nurmagomedov

Song Yadong vs Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC Shanghai (via MMA Mania)

UFC Shanghai event of this past weekend produced a lot of spectacular finishes. The main event was very special as Song Yadong knocked out Umar Nurmagomedov in the second round in front of his countrymen. It was a special performance to say the least as Yadong looked very comfortable.

Most fighters panic or struggle whenever they get taken down by a Dagestani fighter. However, Yadong stayed composed and got back up to his feet as soon as he found an opening. He kept on smiling before the second round even began, and he sprawled to defend a takedown attempt with full confidence.

Once he forced the bout into a standup exchanges, all Yadong had to do was find the knockout blow. When Nurmagomedov dipped his head, the Chinese star laid him out with a perfect punch.

MMA insider Ariel Helwani asked the ‘Kung Fu Kid‘ about the way he was smiling and laughing before landing the knockout blow. Yadong then revealed his mentality going into the UFC Shanghai main event.

You could tell in the fight, I was smiling, I was laughing. I just had this thought in my mind that I could beat him very easily. After the first round, I felt like he wasn’t that strong. I could escape his wrestling. Even when he was on top, I could still get up. And on the feet, I could control the distance very well. I think everyone knows he has that habit [of dipping when he shoots], but you need to catch that moment and have the power to put him to sleep… I have that power. I can put him to sleep.

Song Yadong told Ariel Helwani

The MMA community picked up on Umar Nurmagomedov’s tendency to dip his head during his striking exchanges to keep his head away from danger. However, in the past, two fighters knocked Nurmagomedov down due to that habit.

Bekzat Almakhan and Mario Bautista knocked Nurmagomedov previously, but the Dagestani fighter recovered in both instances. The former bantamweight title challenger used his superior wrestling to control the fight and earn victories in those bouts.

In the case of Yadong, he is a far more experienced striker with more power in his punches than Almakhan and Bautista. Once the takedown attempts were stuffed, the Chinese star remained confident in landing the knockout shot and he did so with precision.

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Song Yadong talks about the Petr Yan vs Merab Dvalishvili trilogy

It is safe to say that Song Yadong is among the leading contenders for the next title shot in the bantamweight division. It is between him and Sean O’Malley, but they have to wait until Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili finish off their trilogy in October.

Song Yadong speaks about UFC 333 co-main event bout
Song Yadong speaks about UFC 333 co-main event bout (Image via MMA Fighting/UFC.com)

The Chinese star may get the winner of Yan vs Dvalishvili at UFC 333 if the Georgian comes out victorious. This is because of Dvalishvili vs Yadong is a fresh matchup, compared to O’Malley facing off against the Georgian for the third time.

If not, the promotion may decide to book the long-anticipated rematch between O’Malley and Yan if the Russian retains the title. With that in mind, the ‘Kung Fu Kid’ revealed who he was supporting in the co-main event bout at UFC 333.

I hope Merab wins, but I feel like Petr has more of an advantage to win the fight.

Song Yadong told Ariel Helwani

Interestingly, ‘Suga Sean’ picked Yadong to get the title shot if Dvalishvili emerges victorious at UFC 333. After all, no one in the UFC has laid out a Nurmagomedov like Yadong did. As such, the Chinese star may need to wait until UFC 333 to see what’s next for him.

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