Yadong Song has earned the right to a big-name callout.
Song announced his presence in the UFC’s bantamweight division with authority on Saturday night, knocking former title challenger and ex-WSOF champ Marlon Moraes with an uppercut 2:06 into the opening round of their co-main event clash. It wasn’t necessarily the finish Song expected, but it is part of his training regimen.
“I was not planning for any uppercut, but I practice these combos every day,” Song said through a translator at the UFC Fight Night 203 post-fight press conference. “I’m really thankful for my boxing coach. He taught me some good uppercuts.”
Currently in the midst of a three-fight winning streak in the Octagon, Song hopes to renew the Team Alpha Male rivalry with Dominick Cruz. Only in this case, the “Kung Fu Monkey” considers himself to be a fan of the former UFC bantamweight champion.
“I watched his fights since I was a young kid and I like him very much,” Song said. “I like his style. So I’m curious what about my style (matched) with his style? What’s gonna happen?”
Regardless of what’s next, Song has established himself as a person of interest at 135 pounds. For now, there is now timetable for the Chinese standout to reach the top of the division.
“I’m just gonna keep taking all the fights,” he said. “Win (those) fights, and I will be there.”
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