Usman Nurmagomedov Denies Hitting Song Yadong After UFC Shanghai Knockout Loss, His Brother's 2nd Defeat
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · Aug 30
Usman Nurmagomedov Denies Hitting Song Yadong After UFC Shanghai Knockout Loss, His Brother's 2nd Defeat
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Aug 30
Summary
Usman Nurmagomedov said on Instagram he did not try to strike Song Yadong after the UFC Shanghai main event, dismissing online claims that he threw an elbow in the cage.
The flashpoint came seconds after Song knocked out Umar Nurmagomedov with an uppercut; Usman jumped in to check on his brother and collided with Song as the Chinese fighter celebrated.
Song did not escalate the contact and later went to Umar's corner to pay respects to coach Khabib, while Usman framed his actions as concern for family rather than aggression.
Umar, who suffered only the 2nd loss of his career, later said he was fine, leaving the post-fight controversy centered on Usman's cage rush and whether UFC will respond.