UFC Shanghai: Umar Nurmagomedov vs Song Yadong’ main card predictions
· Yahoo Sports
From the West Coast of the U.S. to Shanghai, China. The UFC continues to travel the globe, bringing an elite main event and a ton of fun fights. Headlining the next Fight Night card are bantamweight contenders who can solidify themselves as the possible next title challengers.
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No. 3-ranked Umar Nurmagomedov takes a road game fight against China’s own Song Yadong, who’s ranked No. 6 in the world. The winner may very well fight for the Bantamweight title in their next fight. However, it depends on who wins between Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili.
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If Yan defends his title at UFC 333, then his next opponent is Sean O’Malley. Unless there’s some sort of injury on either side, then that’s a no-brainer for the UFC. O’Malley is the biggest star in the division by far and has a win over Yan from their 2022 fight.
O’Malley’s title chances go out the window if Dvalishvili wins, though. Already being 0-2 against Dvalishvili, it’d be such a hard sell to book those two again when the winner of this weekend’s main event will be just as deserving of a title shot.
With all that said, the implications of this main event are huge. Five fighters will be affected by whoever wins on Saturday night, which makes the fight even more intriguing.
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The main event comes after fun scraps featuring some of the best Chinese and Japanese talent on the roster, but who all leaves Shanghai as victors?
Main event: Umar Nurmagomedov vs Song Yadong (bantamweight)
Jan 24, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Umar Nurmagomedov (red gloves) reacts after the fight against Deiveson Figueiredo. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)The striking and pure punching power of Yadong vs the grappling and pressure of Nurmagomedov. If there’s one aspect of the fight to follow, it’s how well-rounded Yadong is and if that can give Nurmagomedov any issues.
Yadong doesn’t usually get controlled on the ground, but he’s also never fought Nurmagomedov. Umar’s striking defense is phenomenal and will give Yadong issues.
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Nurmagomedov doesn’t present too much danger on the feet, but that won’t matter. The grappling and top pressure will overwhelm and frustrate Yadong.
Final prediction: Umar Nurmagomedov via unanimous decision
Co-main event: Yan Xiaonan vs Denise Gomes (strawweight)
Nov 4, 2023; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Denise Gomes (blue gloves) prepares to fight Angela Hill (not pictured) during UFC Fight Night at Ibirapuera Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason da Silva-USA TODAY Sports Credit: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect (Reuters)A striking duel between a veteran and a prospect. Gomes takes a huge leap in competition as she faces a former title challenger and the No. 4 strawweight in the world.
Gomes is 6-2 in the UFC and is currently riding a four-fight win streak. Three of her wins are via TKO and that number may grow against a 37-year-old Xiaonan. Not only can Gomes strike and apply pressure, but she should also have the grappling advantage.
Gomes just has more ways to win than Xiaonan does, and they are in very different stages of their careers.
Final prediction: Denise Gomes via unanimous decision
Aoriqileng vs Kai Asakura (bantamweight)
Aug 15, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, UNITED STATES; Kai Asakura during weigh ins for UFC 319 at Radius Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)Another pure striker’s delight where either fighter can knock the other out cold. Both Aoriqileng and Asakura have simply been mediocre in the UFC. Asakura should have the speed and durability advantage, though.
As far as creativity and versatility as a striker, Asakura brings those qualities to the table more than his opponent. Asakura also just doesn’t get hit as much as Aoriqileng does, taking 3.34 significant strikes per minute, compared to Aoriqileng’s 5.56 per minute.
This fight is going to be fast-paced the whole time and will end early. Asakura has too many weapons, and two of Aoriqileng’s last three losses are by TKO.
Final prediction: Kai Asakura via first-round TKO
Alex Perez vs Sumudaerji (flyweight)
Apr 12, 2025; Miami, Florida, UNITED STATES; Sumudaerji (red gloves) fights against Mitch Raposo (not pictured) during UFC 314 at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)This is a rematch between the two ranked flyweights who originally fought at UFC Macau in May of 2026. The fight was highly entertaining until Sumudaerji landed a kick to Perez’s groin, which abruptly ended the fight and resulted in a no contest.
Now the two flyweight strikers meet once again, and this fight will surely end in a TKO finish. Before the no-contest finish, Sumudaerji was winning the fight, landing clean strikes with his hands.
Until proven otherwise, Sumudaerji has the advantage on the feet here and will hurt Perez once again.
Final prediction: Sumudaerji via second-round TKO
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