Bantamweight breakdown, Song Yadong’s standing after UFC Shanghai

MMA followers got an early morning deal with. UFC Shanghai is in the books and delivered some unbelievable highlights. The combat card completed with 10 finishes and just three choices, an all-action slate of matchups. 

Even though the combat card delivered as a entire, the takeaway is Song Yadong, who scored a large upset win against former title challenger Umar Nurmagomedov. After narrowly shedding the first spherical, Yadong landed a completely timed uppercut as Nurmagomedov shot in for a takedown attempt.

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This end result is one of the greater upsets of the yr, and theres been a ton of them already in 2026. The win now strikes Yadong towards the high of the bantamweight division. It could even land him a title shot, but that’s not assured, not yet, at least. 

Next title challenger relies upon on who wins UFC 333 co-main occasion

Jan 24, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Sean O’Malley fights Song Yadong during UFC 324 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

This would’ve been the case no matter who won in Saturday morning’s principal occasion. Two contenders both warrant a title shot: Sean O’Malley and now Song Yadong. 

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O’Malley is using a two-fight win streak; the first of those victories was against Yadong. Another title shot is not a lock for O’Malley, though. 

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Petr Yan is set to defend his title against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 333. If Dvalishvili wins the belt back, O’Malley has no probability at a title alternative. Being 0-2 against Dvalishvili just makes the third combat a laborious promote, no matter how well-liked O’Malley is. 

However, if Yan beats Merab again, O’Malley has to combat for the title, having already crushed Yan. This would immediately become one of the three greatest fights in the sport. A high-level chess match: O’Malley’s motion and precision vs Yan’s strain and well-rounded fashion. 

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After such a enormous win, Yadong becomes the greatest Merab Dvalishvili fan in the world. These two have never fought each other before either, so it gives the division a recent matchup at the high. 

Where Umar Nurmagomedov goes from here

Jan 18, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Umar Nurmagomedov ices his shoulder between rounds against Merab Dvalishvili. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images. Credit: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

A significant setback for Nurmagomedov. He was once seen as a sure-fire champion; it was just a matter of when. That’s no longer the case; the climb back towards the title image won’t be a short one for Nurmagomedov. 

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A multi-fight win streak must occur for Nurmagomedov to even sniff a title shot. As far as next potential opponents, there are a few names that make sense. 

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Likely preventing down the division, a matchup against Aiemann Zahabi would be warranted. Zahabi is coming off a loss to O’Malley at UFC White House. This gives Zahabi another alternative to combat up in the rankings, and Nurmagomedov a rebound matchup. 

Another fighter whose stock is surging is David Martinez. If all goes nicely for his combat against Dan Ige at Noche UFC, then a enormous combat up in the rankings should be in store. Martinez is undefeated in the UFC, having wins over two former contenders, Rob Font and Marlon Chito Vera. 

No matter who the next opponent is, Nurmagomedov suffered a main setback at UFC Fight Night Shanghai. 

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