Official: Umar Nurmagomedov to Face Song Yadong at UFC Shanghai

The bantamweight clash between the division’s No. 3 and No. 5 contenders will headline UFC Shanghai on August 29.

UFC has officially confirmed one of the most anticipated bantamweight matchups of the year. No. 3-ranked Umar Nurmagomedov will take on No. 5-ranked Song Yadong in the main event of UFC Shanghai, scheduled for August 29.

The 28-year-old Song enters the bout following an impressive victory over former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo, whom he defeated in late May at UFC Macau. The Chinese standout continues to strengthen his position among the division’s elite and will now have the opportunity to take another major step toward a title shot in front of his home crowd.

The 30-year-old Nurmagomedov also defeated Figueiredo in his most recent outing back in January. The Russian was initially expected to return at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25 against No. 8-ranked David Martinez, but those plans were later changed in favor of a much higher-profile showdown with Song.

Reports of the matchup first surfaced several days ago after Nurmagomedov’s team confirmed that he had already begun preparing for the fight in Shanghai. UFC has now officially ended all speculation by announcing the bout, which could determine the next top contender for the bantamweight title.