Song Yadong On Title Shot After Umar Bout

Song Yadong believes a win over Umar Nurmagomedov this weekend will put him directly in line for a bantamweight title shot.

The Chinese contender faces Nurmagomedov at UFC Shanghai, where a win would mark the biggest statement of his promotional tenure. Song told MMA Junkie he views the undefeated Dagestani as the division's top contender, making the path to gold clear. "Everyone knows Umar is the best fighter," Song said, per BJPenn.com. "If I beat him, UFC will definitely give me the title shot after this. I believe in myself that I can win this fight for sure."

Song's Camp Adds Wrestling At Georgia Facility

Song prepared for the bout with a two-week wrestling stint in Georgia before settling into Team Alpha Male for the main camp. He trained with multiple world champions on defensive and offensive wrestling, learning techniques he had never encountered. Urijah Faber, his coach at Team Alpha Male, developed specific strategies for the Nurmagomedov matchup.

The 27-year-old said the timing feels right for this opportunity. Song has faced enough quality opposition to build the experience needed for an elite test, and he described his confidence level heading into fight week as higher than ever.

UFC Shanghai takes place Saturday. Song enters ranked at bantamweight, while Nurmagomedov remains unbeaten and widely considered one win away from challenging for the belt himself.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Song Yadong believes he will get a title shot with a win over Umar Nurmagomedov