Umar Nurmagomedov Breaks Silence After Song KO

Umar Nurmagomedov has addressed his knockout defeat to Song Yadong at UFC Shanghai, telling fans he plans to return after working on his mistakes.

The No. 2-ranked bantamweight was stopped in the second round by Song on Aug. 29 after walking into a counter right hand while attempting a takedown. Song pounced and landed two finishing shots that left the previously unbeaten Dagestani contender unconscious, as MMA Mania first reported. The loss marked the first knockout defeat of Nurmagomedov's career and his second loss overall, following a decision to Merab Dvalishvili in a 135-pound title fight last year.

What Next For Nurmagomedov After UFC Shanghai Loss

Nurmagomedov posted a brief statement afterward. "Everything is fine with me," he wrote. "Alhamdulillah. Thank you so much to everyone who writes. I will work on the mistakes. And I will be back." The timing of his return remains unclear, according to the report. If Nurmagomedov does not fight by early 2027, he would likely be sidelined until late February or March because he observes Ramadan.

One logical matchup would pit him against the loser of the upcoming title bout between Petr Yan and Dvalishvili, who meet for a third time on Oct. 24. The bantamweight division will look different by the time Nurmagomedov re-enters the rankings, but another loss in his comeback could end his near-term title hopes. Song, meanwhile, enters the conversation for either a championship shot or a title eliminator after securing the biggest win of his career on home soil.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Monday Morning Hangover: What’s next for Umar Nurmagomedov after upset knockout loss at UFC Shanghai?