Song Yadong’s Upset KO and Bonus Awards at UFC Shanghai

On August 29, Chinese bantamweight Song Yadong knocked out former title challenger Umar Nurmagomedov at the Shanghai Oriental Sports Center. The fight ended at 1:48 of the second round when Song landed a short right uppercut, sending Nurmagomedov to the canvas. Song entered as a +450 betting underdog, and the knockout marked the first stoppage loss of Nurmagomedov’s career.

Song Yadong lands unbelievable knockout uppercut to upset Umar Nurmagomedov in UFC Shanghai main event USA TodayUFC Shanghai Highlights! Song Yadong Stuns Umar Nurmagomedov With Incredible Upset KO UFC Shanghai: Song Yadong Shocks, Stuns Fans, Stops Umar Nurmagomedov UFC Fighters React To Song Yadong’s Improbable Shanghai Win UFC Shanghai Results: Song Yadong KOs Umar Nurmagomedov The Straits TimesESPNUFC Shanghai results: Song Yadong sleeps Umar Nurmagomedov in massive upset win, demands title shot

UFC handed out four $100,000 “Performance of the Night” bonuses to Song Yadong and flyweight prospect Bilal Hasan. The light-heavyweight clash between Liu Ce and Levi Rodrigues Jr. earned “Fight of the Night” honors, granting each participant $100,000. Five “Finish” bonuses of $25,000 went to Denise Gomes, Kai Asakura, Rei Tsuruya, Francesco Nuzzi and Hector Santiago. Ten of the thirteen fights on the card ended in a finish.

Heavy

Song (24-9-1, 1 NC) had not recorded a knockout since 2023 and was seeking his first victory over a ranked opponent. Umar Nurmagomedov (20-2) entered as a favorite, having previously lost only by decision to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311. A win for Song instantly elevated him into the bantamweight title conversation, while Nurmagomedov’s loss removed him from immediate contention.

UFC Shanghai: Song Yadong Shocks, Stuns Fans, Stops Umar Nurmagomedov USA TodaySong Yadong lands unbelievable knockout uppercut to upset Umar Nurmagomedov in UFC Shanghai main event USA TodayThe Straits TimesUFC Fight Night: Nurmagomedov vs Song Recap UFC Shanghai Results: Song Yadong KOs Umar Nurmagomedov UFC Fighters React To Song Yadong’s Improbable Shanghai Win UFC Shanghai video: Song Yadong collides with Usman Nurmagomedov after insane knockout over Umar Nurmagomedov

• Odds: +450 underdog (DraftKings).

UFC Fight Night: Nurmagomedov vs Song Recap

• Finishes: 10 stoppages across 13 fights.

UFC Shanghai Results: Song Yadong KOs Umar Nurmagomedov

• Bonuses: Four Performance of the Night ($100,000 each), one Fight of the Night ($100,000 each), five Finish bonuses ($25,000 each).

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• Knockout time: 1:48 of round 2.

Heavy

UFC confirmed Song’s $100,000 Performance of the Night award and labeled the victory “Upset of the Year.” Speaking through an interpreter, Song emphasized his confidence and his coaching team’s role, and in the octagon interview he demanded a title opportunity.

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• “I believe in myself, and my team believed that I would win this fight,”

ESPN

• “I feel like the best moment in my life right now,”

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• “I think the UFC should give me the title shot," Song said.”

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• “Nobody believed me, but I trusted myself, and I got the win,”

UFC Shanghai Results: Song Yadong KOs Umar Nurmagomedov

Song’s knockout reshapes the bantamweight rankings, positioning him as a top contender ahead of the upcoming title bout between Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili on October 24. The result also ends Nurmagomedov’s two-fight win streak and forces a reassessment of his path back to contender status.

Heavy