Song claims to be well-equipped to deal with Nurmagomedov’s grappling prowess ahead of their Ultimate Fighting Championship bantamweight clash at UFC Shanghai. The Chinese 135-pounder even worked with Georgian wrestlers who are familiar with the wrestling system used by Nurmagomedov’s team.
Yadong Song trained with Olympic and world champions ahead of UFC Shanghai
While Song is a competent grappler, he’s well aware of the challenge Nurmagomedov presents and is confident should the fight hit the mat.
“Umar is a very tough guy,” Song said in a recent interview. “Even everybody knows he's a very good grappler. So, I just prefer to use striking... But if you want to grapple, let's grapple. Doesn't matter.”
Song further revealed that he traveled to Georgia before beginning his latest training camp, where he worked with Olympic and world champions familiar with the style used by Khabib Nurmagomedov's team.
“So, before the camp start, I went to Georgia to train with the Olympic champs, world champs,” Song added. “They teach me a lot and they know what Khabib's team does. So, they teach me some tricks. I feel super ready for this fight.”
"With this fight, I will get a title shot."
Song Yadong (@SongYaDongLFG) wants to leave no doubts as to why he should be next in line to challenge for the belt with a win at #UFCShanghai
Fight by Fight Preview ➡️ https://t.co/JeUnGYBzaqpic.twitter.com/kgMuqRjseQ— UFC News (@UFCNews) August 25, 2026