Mendez On Nurmagomedov's Shocking UFC Shanghai KO

Javier Mendez says he was stunned watching Umar Nurmagomedov get knocked out cold at UFC Shanghai last Saturday.

Song Yadong caught Nurmagomedov with a temple shot early in the second round, handing the former title challenger the first stoppage loss of his career. Nurmagomedov entered as a favourite and looked headed for another title shot before the finish. Per BJ Penn, Mendez told Submission Radio the loss hurt more because of his attachment to the fighter. "My mouth just dropped. I'm like, 'What the hell happened?'" Mendez said. "I was in shock myself because I love him so much."

Mendez Blames Head Position On Takedown Entry

The American Kickboxing Academy coach broke down the mechanics of the knockout, saying Nurmagomedov moved his head off centre while shooting for a takedown. Song intended to throw the uppercut and landed it on the temple, an area Mendez described as instant lights out. He added that Nurmagomedov was in good hands despite not being in his corner for the fight.

Nurmagomedov dropped his first career bout to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311 before rebounding with wins over Deiveson Figueiredo and Mario Bautista. The knockout loss could sideline him into 2027 as he works back toward the bantamweight title picture.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Umar Nurmagomedov’s coach ‘shocked’ by wild knockout loss at UFC Shanghai