Nurmagomedov Manager Warns Yadong Of 'Very Mean' Fighter

Umar Nurmagomedov has knocked out three sparring partners in recent camp sessions and enters UFC Shanghai with a dangerous new attitude, according to his manager Ali Abdelaziz.

The Dagestani bantamweight meets Song Yadong in China on Saturday looking to extend his rebound from a UFC title loss to Merab Dvalishvili earlier in 2025. Nurmagomedov has won his last two fights by decision, sweeping the scorecards against Mario Bautista and former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo, but some observers believe his finishing rate has stalled his momentum at 135 pounds.

Abdelaziz Claims Nurmagomedov Has Become 'Very Mean'

Abdelaziz disputed that perception in remarks to MMA Junkie this week, revealing that Nurmagomedov has been dropping teammates with unusual frequency. "I've never seen mean Umar," Abdelaziz said, per the outlet. "Umar's knocked out three people since I've been here. Umar never knocked out anybody in training. I had to have a conversation with him and I said, 'Hey, you cannot be knocking out your training partner like that.' And he said, 'They need to put their hands up.' He's become very mean right now. It's the wrong time to fight Umar."

The Dominance MMA manager added that Nurmagomedov could have waited for the winner of a planned trilogy between Dvalishvili and Petr Yan but prefers to stay active. He said Nurmagomedov wants to compete four or five times per year regardless of opponent.

Nurmagomedov faces Yadong at SPD Bank Oriental Sports Center in Shanghai this weekend. The Chinese contender believes a win puts him in line for a title shot.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Song Yadong picked the ‘wrong time’ to fight ‘very mean’ Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC Shanghai