Song Yadong

Song Yadong (Chinese: 宋亚东; pinyin: Sòng Yàdōng; born December 2, 1997) is a Chinese mixed martial artist who competes as a Bantamweight for the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As of November 16, 2021, he is #14 in the UFC bantamweight rankings.

Background

Raised by a single mother, Song was sent to a martial arts school at the age of nine. Song eventually begun training mixed martial arts at the age of 13, making his professional debut before his sixteenth birthday.

Mixed martial arts career

Ultimate Fighting Championship

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, Bharat Kandare at UFC Fight Night: Bisping vs. Gastelum in Shanghai, China. Song's UFC debut took place on the 25th November, 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 is scheduled to face Marlon Moraes on March 12, 2022 at UFC Fight Night 203.

Personal life

Song and his wife have a son.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Performance of the Night (Three times) vs. Bharat Khandare, Felipe Arantes and Alejandro Pérez.

Fight of the Night (One time) vs. Marlon Vera.

Sanda

2011 Hebei Provincial Sanda Championship − 1st place, 60 kg.

Muay Thai

2011 National Muay Thai Championship − 5th place.

Grappling

2012 Shanghai Jiu-Jitsu Open − 4th place.