TLDR
- Yadong Song traveled to Georgia to train with Olympic and world champion wrestlers before fighting Umar Nurmagomedov
- Georgian wrestlers taught Song techniques specifically designed to counter the Nurmagomedov team’s grappling system
- Song prefers to strike but says he’s ready to grapple if Nurmagomedov takes the fight to the ground
- The bout takes place at UFC Shanghai in the bantamweight division
- Song views a win over Nurmagomedov as his path to earning a title shot at 135 pounds
Sources: sherdog.com | boxingnews.com
Yadong Song traveled to Georgia to train with Olympic and world champion wrestlers in preparation for his upcoming fight against Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC Shanghai. The Chinese bantamweight specifically sought out Georgian wrestlers who are familiar with the grappling system used by the Nurmagomedov team.
Song trained with these elite wrestlers before starting his official training camp for the bout. The Georgian champions taught him specific techniques designed to counter the wrestling approach employed by Khabib Nurmagomedov’s team.
Song Confident in Grappling Skills
While Song prefers to keep the fight standing, he says he’s prepared for a grappling battle if needed. “Umar is a very tough guy,” Song said in a recent interview. “Even everybody knows he’s a very good grappler. So, I just prefer to use striking… But if you want to grapple, let’s grapple. Doesn’t matter.”
Song expressed confidence in what he learned during his time in Georgia. “Before the camp start, I went to Georgia to train with the Olympic champs, world champs,” he said. “They teach me a lot and they know what Khabib’s team does.”
Song Yadong’s wrestling is looking SHARP while training with Georgia Poullas 👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/ftSt8OAujP
— Title Fight (@TitleFightMedia) August 25, 2026
The Chinese fighter believes these training sessions gave him important tools for the upcoming fight. “So, they teach me some tricks. I feel super ready for this fight,” Song added.
Title Shot Implications
The bout at UFC Shanghai carries serious stakes for Song’s career trajectory. He views a victory over Nurmagomedov as his clearest path to earning a title shot in the 135-pound division.
Song is a competent grappler in his own right, but he recognizes the challenge that Nurmagomedov presents. The Georgian training camp was designed to address this specific challenge.
The Nurmagomedov team has built a reputation for dominant wrestling and grappling across multiple weight classes. Khabib Nurmagomedov retired undefeated as UFC lightweight champion, largely due to his elite grappling skills.
Umar Nurmagomedov has followed in his cousin’s footsteps with a similar fighting style. Song’s decision to train in Georgia reflects his understanding of this threat.
Georgian wrestlers have historically competed against Dagestani wrestlers in international competitions. This experience gives them unique insight into the techniques and strategies used by fighters from that region.
Song’s willingness to travel internationally for specialized training shows the lengths fighters will go to prepare for high-stakes bouts. The Chinese bantamweight left no stone unturned in his preparation.
The UFC Shanghai card will test whether Song’s Georgian training camp paid off. Song has stated he feels ready for whatever Nurmagomedov brings to the octagon, whether standing or on the ground.
