In the main event of the UFC’s most recent trip the Shanghai, China this weekend, Song Yadong defied the odds and knocked out Umar Nurmagomedov in the second round with a stiff uppercut.
As the pair entered the octagon in front of the roaring crowd inside the Oriental Sports Center, Nurmagomedov was listed as the massive -625 favourite to win over the heavy +650 underdog in Song. But despite the odds, Song found his opportunity through an opening in Nurmagomedov’s defense, and capitalized in dramatic fashion with a well-timed short right hand that caught his opponent just as he was changing levels for the anticipated takedown.
The performance of a lifetime.
[ @SongYadongLFG | #UFCShanghai ] pic.twitter.com/IMK3d9dH8w
— UFC (@ufc) August 29, 2026
Heading into the bout, Nurmagomedov was seeking his third straight win, with his most recent coming by a unanimous decision over former 125-pound champion Deiveson Figueiredo. This was the second straight win since his failed attempt to grasp the bantamweight title in a match with Merab Dvalishvili in 2025, which was his first career loss. Now, the Dagestan wrestler has suffered his second loss, moving his overall professional record to 20-2 (8-2 UFC).
Meanwhile, Song held the No. 6 rank at 135-pounds, but now that he has beaten the No. 2 contender in Nurmagomedov, he should be looking at a considerable jump up the ladder. Through the victory, Song earned his 13th UFC win and added a 24th to his overall professional record. This also serves as Song’s second straight UFC finish, defeating Deiveson Figueiredo by guillotine choke submission in May.
UFC Shanghai Full Card Results:
Main Card:
Song Yadong def. Umar Nurmagomedov via KO (uppercut) – Round 2, 1:48
Denise Gomes def. Yan Xiaonan via TKO (punch) – Round 1, 4:49
Kai Asakura def. Aori Qileng via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 0:34
Su Mudaerji def. Alex Perez via Decision (Unanimous) (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Liu Ce def. Levi Rodrigues Jr. via KO (Punch) – Round 1, 4:26
Bilal Hasan def. Nilson Rojas via KO (Punch) – Round 2, 2:28
Prelims:
Andre Lima def. Namsrai Batbayar via submission (Guillotine) – Round 3, 3:03
Rei Tsuruya def. Kevin Borjas via submission (Rear Naked Choke) – Round 1, 4:14
Sean Woodson def. Jack Jenkins via Decision (Split) – (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Francesco Nuzzi def. Xiao Long via TKO (Punches) – Round 1, 1:00
Hector Santiago def. Lawrence Lui via KO (Punches) – Round 2, 0:53
Julia Polastri def. Xiong Jingnan via KO (Head Kick) – Round 1, 3:06
Cam Nelson def. Ding Meng via Decision (Unanimous) – (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)