UFC returns to the East China hotspot, that is Shanghai, for the second year in a row following the success of the 2025 event.
Local interest will be increased this year thanks to the roster of Chinese talent going toe to toe with international opponents in the respective weight divisions on Saturday.
The headline contest will be held at the Oriental Sports Center in Shanghai and sees China's number one Song Yadong face off against Umar Nurmagomedov.
This brings together the top-ranked Chinese fighter in all of the UFC against the grappling specialist from the Nurmagomedov dynasty, who is currently the third-ranked bantamweight competitor.
Song comes in at number five on the contenders list.
If the 28-year-old from Heilongjiang province is to land a shot at the division belt against current holder Merab Dvalishvili, he will need to record an upset against Nurmagomedov in front of a partisan audience.
The stage is set.
UFC Fight Night Shanghai Main Card Tips
Saturday, August 29 - Shanghai Oriental Sports Center
Main Event: Bantamweight
Contest: Umar Nurmagomedov (20-1) vs. Song Yadong (23-9-1, 1 NC)
Approximate odds: Nurmagomedov -500 to -550 | Song +360 to +400
Khabib's cousin is a high-level wrestler and control artist with excellent striking capability, especially in defense.
His only loss came to Merab Dvalishvili in a title fight, since then he has looked sharp in decision wins over Mario Bautista and Deiveson Figueiredo. He averages strong takedown volume and rarely gets taken down himself.
Meanwhile, Song is a powerful, durable striker with solid boxing tools and improving grappling, and he will be tested on the latter against the Dagestani fighter.
He recently submitted Figueiredo and has main-event experience, plus massive home support in Shanghai. He can crack and has never been submitted, but he has struggled against elite grapplers and volume pressure.
Fight Tip: This is a classic grappler-vs-striker stylistic clash in a five-round bout.
Nurmagomedov's quality through his wrestling and top control should neutralize Song's power over time, but the Chinese fighter should be expected to make his mark.
We predict Song to have early striking moments, backed by an energetic home crowd, but it's hard to see past Nurmagomedov's pace and pedigree. Especially later in the fight.
Pick: Nurmagomedov by decision (better value than the straight moneyline; often priced).
Alternative pick: Nurmagomedov moneyline or fight to go the distance (Over 4.5 rounds favored).
The upset path for Song is a big early power shot or late scramble submission.
Women's Co-Main Event: Xiaonan vs Gomes
Co-Main Event: Women's Strawweight
Contest: Yan Xiaonan (19-5) vs. Denise Gomes (12-3)
Approximate odds: Xiaonan -155 to -160 | Gomes +130 to +135
Xiaonan (Ranked number four, former title challenger) is a solid volume striker with championship experience (loss to Zhang Weili) and home-soil advantage.
She is coming off a decision loss to Virna Jandiroba and a lengthy layoff at age 37.
The Brazilian fighter Gomes, aged 26, is on a four-fight win streak (including a decision over Tecia Pennington), and brings pressure, power, and an improving all-round game.
Tip: Xiaonan has a higher ceiling and experience, plus the Shanghai crowd. However, age and recent issues create risk.
Gomes has momentum and can make it a chaotic, high-pace fight. This should be one of the more competitive lines on the card.
Pick: Slight lean on Xiaonan by decision (home edge), but consider Gomes at plus money. She offers value as long as she can force pressure and blows on the home fighter.
Prop lean: Fight to go the distance (Over 2.5 rounds).
Bantamweight: Aoriqileng vs Asakura
Bout: Bantamweight
Contest: Aoriqileng (26-13) vs. Kai Asakura (22-6)
Approximate odds: Asakura -400 to -470 | Aoriqileng +310 to +360
Asakura, the former RIZIN standout, recently secured his first UFC win via first-round KO and brings explosive kickboxing power and timing. Explosive.
Aoriqileng, 'The Mongolian Murderer', is an aggressive striker with knockout power but inconsistency and a recent loss could impact this bout.
Tip: Both fighters have the ability to land a KO, but there's an element of unpredictability about this one. Asakura's speed, power, and finishing could give him the edge in a striking-heavy matchup that is likely to entertain. Aoriqileng can't be dismissed easily, though.
Pick: Asakura by KO/TKO (or moneyline).
Under 2.5 rounds has significant appeal given the striking power on both sides.
Flyweight: Mudaerji vs Perez
Bout: Flyweight
Contest: Su Mudaerji (19-7) vs. Alex Perez (26-10)
Approximate odds: Mudaerji -215 to -220 | Perez +175 to +180
This is a rematch of the May no-contest fight (groin strike).
Su Mudaerji, 'The Tibetan Eagle', is a rangy, powerful striker riding recent momentum and will be backed by home support in Shanghai.
US veteran Perez is a former title challenger with power punching and finishing ability but has been inconsistent in recent, late career stages.
Tip: Home advantage and recent form favor Su Mudaerji, who can keep range with kicks and volume impacts on his opponent. Perez remains dangerous early with power and experience.
Pick: Mudaerji by decision or TKO. Under 2.5 rounds is a reasonable prop if you fancy the power to connect.
Light Heavyweight: Ce vs Rodrigues Jr.
Bout: Light Heavyweight
Contest: Liu Ce (3-1) vs. Levi Rodrigues Jr. (5-1)
Approximate odds: Liu Ce -190 to -205 | Rodrigues +160 to +170
Liu Ce makes his UFC debut as a highly decorated kickboxer with height/reach advantages and home support.
Rodrigues is a powerful Brazilian finisher (mostly KOs) who accepted the fight on short notice after a recent UFC loss. Junior Tafa was the initial opponent for this contest.
Tip: Striking edge and momentum favors Liu. Rodrigues's one-punch power makes any light-heavyweight fight volatile, especially with limited camp time for the Brazilian.
Pick: Liu Ce (moneyline or by KO/TKO). Under 1.5 or 2.5 rounds appeals due to the power profiles.
Flyweight: Hasan vs Rojas
Bout: Flyweight
Contest: Bilal Hasan (9-0) vs. Nilson Rojas (9-0)
Approximate odds: Hasan -700 to -750 | Rojas +500 to +525
Both make UFC debuts as undefeated prospects.
Hasan, 'The IndoNinja', earned a contract with a 45-second DWCS TKO and he finishes at a high rate.
Rojas is a durable Peruvian finisher with his own knockout power. Watch for his heavy-hook combinations.
Tip: Hasan's recent form, finishing ability, and the heavy market favor him strongly. Debut nerves and Rojas's power create some variance, but the line reflects a clear skill gap forecast.
Pick: Hasan by KO/TKO. Under 1.5 rounds at plus money (if/when available) is an attractive prop given both fighters' finishing tendencies.
UFC Fight Night Shanghai Best Bets
Safer plays: Nurmagomedov (decision preferred over heavy ML), Asakura, Hasan, Mudaerji.
Value bets: Gomes (ML), possibly Aoriqileng or Rodrigues if you fancy the prospect of a power upset.
How can I watch UFC Fight Night Shanghai in the United States?
Set your alarms for this one!
UFC Fight Night Shanghai gets underway with the prelims on Paramount+ at 3am ET / 12am PT, as well as on UFC Fight Pass.
The main card is expected to get underway at 6 am ET / 3am PT.
