Song Yadong

Song Yadong (born December 2, 1997) is a Chinese professional mixed martial artist who currently competes in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

As of August 22, 2023, he is #7 in the UFC bantamweight rankings.

Raised by a single mother, Song was sent to a Sanda martial arts school at the age of nine.

Song eventually began training mixed martial arts at the age of 13, making his professional debut before his sixteenth birthday.

In November 2017, it was announced that Song Yadong would step in on short notice, to fight the first ever Indian-born fighter in the UFC and fellow debutante, Baharat Kandare at UFC Fight Night: Bisping vs. Gastelum in Shanghai, China.

Song's UFC debut took place on November 25, 2017.

Song landed fast counter punches, combinations and some heavy leg kicks, but at the end of the fourth minute, Song landed a right hand that knocked Khandare down, causing Khandare to reach for Song's legs to try and get a takedown; however, it was not a good attempt and Song was easily able to secure a front choke, giving Song his first UFC win and his third win by submission.

In Song's second UFC fight, he faced Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner and Muay Thai fighter, Felipe Arantes on June 23, 2018, at UFC Fight Night: Cowboy vs. Edwards in Singapore.

After a strong first round, with Song landing quick counter punches and securing top control after catching an Arantes' kick, the second round saw much of the same, except Arantes shot for a double-leg which ultimately resulted in Song easily shucking it off with Arantes, again, landing on his back with Song attempting an arm-triangle choke.

However, with exactly a minute left in the second round, Arantes was able to force a stand up and returned to his feet.

With 10 seconds remaining in the round, Arantes was being pushed against the fence and what was looking like another round being won by Song; Song landed a hard elbow, which forced Arantes to crumple onto his knees that forced the referee to jump in and end the fight, declaring Song the victor by way of technical knockout at 4:59 of the second round.

With this win, Song received the Performance of the Night bonus which earned him an extra $50,000.

Song was expected to face Frankie Saenz on 24 November 2018 at UFC Fight Night 141.

However, it was reported on November 7, 2018 that he pulled out of the event due to injury and he was replaced by newcomer Vince Morales.

He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Song was scheduled to face Alejandro Pérez on March 2, 2019 at UFC 235.

However, it was reported on January 11, 2019 that he pulled out due to an undisclosed reason.

He was replaced by Cody Stamann.

The bout with Pérez was rescheduled and eventually took place on July 6, 2019 at UFC 239.

Song won the fight via knockout in the first round.

This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.

Song faced Cody Stamann on December 7, 2019, at UFC on ESPN 7.

After three round fight, the fight ended with a majority draw.

Song faced Marlon Vera in a featherweight bout on May 16, 2020, at UFC on ESPN: Overeem vs. Harris.

He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Both participants earned the Fight of the Night award.

Song faced Kyler Phillips on March 6, 2021, at UFC 259.

He lost the bout via unanimous decision.

Song faced Casey Kenney on August 7, 2021, at UFC 265.

He won the fight via split decision.

Song faced Julio Arce on November 13, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 197.

He won the fight via technical knockout in round two.

Song faced Marlon Moraes on March 12, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 203.

He won the fight via knockout in round one.

This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.

Song faced Cory Sandhagen on September 17, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 210.

He lost the fight via technical knockout after a doctor stopped the fight.

Song was scheduled to face Ricky Simón on April 22, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 222.

However, the bout was instead postponed to UFC on ESPN: Song vs. Simón as the headliner.

He eventually won the fight via technical knockout in the fifth round.