Song Yadong: Age, Where Is He From, Ranking, Tapology, vs Umar

Song Yadong: Overview

Song Yadong is one of the leading Chinese fighters in the UFC bantamweight division. Nicknamed “The Kung Fu Kid,” he has built his reputation through explosive striking, toughness and increasingly well-rounded grappling.

As of August 29, 2026, Song enters UFC Shanghai with a professional MMA record of 23-9-1, with one no contest. He is ranked among the UFC’s top bantamweights and is headlining a major matchup against Umar Nurmagomedov.

The matchup is particularly important because both fighters are looking to move closer to another UFC title opportunity.

How Old Is Song Yadong?

Song Yadong is 28 years old.

He was born on December 2, 1997. His age makes him one of the experienced contenders in the UFC bantamweight division while still leaving room for further development in his career.

Song entered the UFC at just 19 years old and has since accumulated years of experience against high-level opponents.

Where Is Song Yadong From?

Song Yadong is from China. His birthplace is listed as Hulan District in Harbin, Heilongjiang, although some databases give different descriptions of his hometown.

His Chinese background has made him an important figure for the growth of MMA in the country. Fighting in Shanghai also gives Song an opportunity to compete in front of a home-country audience.

He has trained with Team Alpha Male, a prominent MMA gym in California, since joining the team in 2017.

What Is Song Yadong’s UFC Ranking?

Song Yadong is currently listed around No. 6 in the UFC bantamweight rankings in the latest pre-fight reporting. UFC’s own promotional material previously listed him at No. 5 for the Shanghai matchup, while rankings can change depending on the update date.

The important point is that Song is firmly established in the UFC’s ranked bantamweight class.

His fight with Umar Nurmagomedov carries major title implications. A victory could significantly improve Song’s position in the championship picture.

Song Yadong on Tapology

Song Yadong’s Tapology profile lists him as a professional MMA fighter competing at bantamweight. His record heading into UFC Shanghai is 23-9-1.

Tapology is widely used by MMA fans to follow fighter records, bout histories, rankings, event information and upcoming fights.

His record includes:

• 23 wins
• 9 losses
• 1 draw
• 1 no contest
• 9 KO/TKO wins
• 4 submission wins
• 10 decision wins

Sherdog’s database also lists the same 23-9-1 record and confirms his nine knockout/TKO victories and four submission wins.

Song Yadong vs Umar Nurmagomedov

The biggest current storyline surrounding Song Yadong is his matchup with Umar Nurmagomedov.

Song and Nurmagomedov are scheduled to headline UFC Fight Night: Nurmagomedov vs. Song on August 29, 2026, in Shanghai, China. The bout is a five-round bantamweight main event.

Nurmagomedov enters with a 20-1 professional record, while Song has a 23-9-1 record.

The matchup presents a classic stylistic contrast.

Song Yadong’s Strengths

Song’s biggest advantage is his striking. He has developed a reputation for powerful punches, fast combinations and dangerous counterattacks.

He also has significant UFC experience and has fought several elite bantamweights, giving him valuable five-round experience.

His recent victory over former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo was particularly significant. Song submitted Figueiredo with a guillotine choke in the second round on May 30, 2026.

That victory demonstrated that Song cannot be viewed only as a striker.

Umar Nurmagomedov’s Strengths

Nurmagomedov brings a highly technical grappling game and strong wrestling background. He has also shown the ability to control opponents for long periods and win decisions.

The Russian contender owns a 20-1 record and previously challenged the elite level of the division against Merab Dvalishvili. He has since bounced back with victories over Mario Bautista and Deiveson Figueiredo.

Why Song vs Umar Matters

The fight could have major consequences for the UFC bantamweight title picture.

Song wants to prove he can defeat one of the division’s most accomplished grapplers. Meanwhile, Nurmagomedov is looking to strengthen his case for another title opportunity after his previous championship setback.

UFC has described the Shanghai main event as a pivotal bantamweight clash, highlighting the importance of both fighters in the division.

Song Yadong vs Umar: Key Comparison

The statistics show why the fight is so intriguing. Song has more professional experience, while Nurmagomedov has suffered only one career defeat. Song’s striking could be the deciding factor if he can keep the fight standing, whereas Nurmagomedov’s wrestling could give him the advantage if he consistently gets the fight to the mat.

Song Yadong’s Recent Record

Song’s recent career has included several major fights.

He defeated Henry Cejudo by unanimous technical decision in February 2025 before suffering a decision loss to Sean O’Malley at UFC 324 in January 2026. Song then responded with a submission victory over Figueiredo in May 2026.

That bounce-back win was important because it returned Song to the winner’s column before his Shanghai main event.

His recent results include:

• Win vs. Deiveson Figueiredo — submission
• Loss vs. Sean O’Malley — unanimous decision
• Win vs. Henry Cejudo — unanimous technical decision
• Loss vs. Petr Yan — unanimous decision
• Win vs. Chris Gutierrez — unanimous decision
• Win vs. Ricky Simón — TKO

What Makes Song Yadong Important to Chinese MMA?

Song Yadong has become one of the most recognizable Chinese male fighters in the UFC.

His long UFC tenure, ranked status and ability to compete in major main events have helped establish him as one of China’s leading representatives in MMA.

The UFC’s return to Shanghai adds even more significance to his career. Fighting Umar Nurmagomedov in a five-round main event gives Song an opportunity to make one of the biggest statements of his career on home soil.

Song Yadong FAQs

How old is Song Yadong?

Song Yadong is 28 years old. He was born on December 2, 1997.

Where is Song Yadong from?

Song Yadong is Chinese and is listed as being from Hulan District, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China.

What is Song Yadong’s UFC ranking?

He is currently listed around No. 6 in the UFC bantamweight rankings in the latest pre-fight sources, although ranking positions can change with each official update.

What is Song Yadong’s Tapology record?

His professional record is 23-9-1, according to Tapology and other MMA databases.

Who is Song Yadong fighting?

Song Yadong is fighting Umar Nurmagomedov in the UFC Shanghai main event on August 29, 2026.

Has Song Yadong fought Umar Nurmagomedov before?

No. Their August 29, 2026 UFC Shanghai main event is their first professional MMA matchup.

What is Song Yadong’s nickname?

His nickname is “The Kung Fu Kid.”

Final Thoughts

Song Yadong has developed from a teenage UFC debutant into an established bantamweight contender. At 28, he combines years of experience with dangerous striking and improving grappling.

His matchup with Umar Nurmagomedov is one of the most important fights of his 2026 campaign. Nurmagomedov brings elite wrestling and a 20-1 record, while Song enters with greater professional experience and momentum from his submission victory over Figueiredo.

With the UFC bantamweight title picture increasingly competitive, Song Yadong vs. Umar Nurmagomedov could be a defining fight for both men’s championship ambitions.