Midnight Mania: Nurmagomedov Vs. Yadong Already Canned

Welcome to Midnight Mania!

Easy come, easy go.

Just last week, Umar Nurmagomedov shocked fight fans by agreeing to fight Song Yadong in December. Any match up between ranked Bantamweights is welcome news, but most expected Nurmagomedov to fight for the title next after clearly defeating Cory Sandhagen back in August. The undefeated Russian is definitely ready for his big opportunity, but champion Merab Dvalishvili’s schedule doesn’t exactly line up (and maybe that’s intentional?).

Almost immediately, Yadong’s coach, Urijah Faber, poured cold water on the fight announcement, explaining that nothing was signed and instead targeting a January date for the match up. Unfortunately, that would appeal to be a dealbreaker for Nurmagomedov, who revealed the match up has been scrapped.

He also took the opportunity to call out “The Machine.”

“I am always ready, and right now I am waiting for an opponent, as Yadong declined to fight in December,” Nurmagomedov wrote on social media. “I was told he is injured. Merab, before my fight with Sandhagen, you said that if I beat him, I would deserve recognition. Now you have changed your position — decide who you are.

“All the fans and analysts are noticing how you are avoiding the fight. Championship is recognition, but you haven’t received it, and you know that perfectly well.”

He continued, “I am not waiting for anyone and I want to fight before Ramadan. I hope UFC finds an opponent. And the title, inshaAllah, is just a matter of time.”

The UFC Bantamweight roster is filled with talented fighters. Surely, one of them would love the opportunity to jump up the ladder with a big upset in December?

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— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 24, 2024