Song Yadong Goes Shirtless At UFC Shanghai Staredown

Song Yadong stripped his shirt off during the UFC Shanghai media day staredown with Umar Nurmagomedov, a move that split fight fans on social media.

The Chinese bantamweight removed his top before facing off with Nurmagomedov ahead of Saturday's main event at Shanghai Oriental Sports Center, according to MMA Mania. One commenter called it a warning on home turf. Another wrote the opposite, saying Song going shirtless at his own show was stupid and hoping Nurmagomedov would dominate him. A third faction on the UFC Instagram post dubbed the No. 6-ranked contender a Shanghai stripper.

What A Win Means For Song's Title Path

Song told media at the event that a victory puts him in line for a 135-pound title shot. "This is a big opportunity for me," he said, per MMA Mania. "If I win this fight, I will get a title shot."

Nurmagomedov enters on a two-fight streak, having beaten Mario Bautista at UFC 321 and Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 324. The 30-year-old has handled nearly every bantamweight he has faced outside of former champion Merab Dvalishvili.

UFC Shanghai streams on Paramount Plus this Saturday.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Shanghai stripper? UFC fans divided over Song Yadong ‘flex’ during topless Umar staredown