Song Yadong STEAMROLLS Ricky Simon, Calls out Sean O’Malley
Song Yadong defeats Ricky Simon via TKO in 5th round of UFC Vegas 72 main event.
In this modern era of the UFC, whenever there’s a grappler vs. a striker, you put your money on the grappler.
Not this time.
Song Yadong put on a masterclass against Ricky Simon, dropping his opponent with a crushing left hook before finishing the fight with ground-and-pound.
Song Yadong makes statement with TKO victory over Ricky Simon
With his performance at UFC Vegas 72, Song Yadong proved he belongs with the best of the best in the UFC’s most stacked division. After a close first round, Yadong took control of the fight – landing the harder shots throughout the bout.
Song landed a crushing left hook at the end of the fourth round – but Simon was “saved by the bell.” However, he was still on wobbly legs coming out for the fifth, and it didn’t take long for Yadong to get the job done. He landed the same left hook he had been landing all night – only this time, he was able to put a stamp on the fight.
Song Yadong was ranked 8th in the UFC’s bantamweight division coming into this fight, and it’s safe to expect him to get another shot at the top 5 after this performance. During his Octagon interview, Song called out some big names – Sean O’Malley and Chito Vera.
Yadong and Vera fought back at UFC on ESPN: Overeem vs. Harris back in May, 2020. It was a controversial unanimous decision for the Chinese fighter, with many fans believing that Chito won. However, it appears Song is willing to run it back with Chito to settle the score. Vera is currently ranked 5th in the division, coming off a loss to 3rd ranked Cory Sandhagen.
Meanwhile, Sean O’Malley is ranked 2nd behind top contender Merab Dvalishvili – who refuses to fight his friend Aljamain Sterling for the championship. Things could change briefly, as Aljamain Sterling vs. Henry Cejudo goes down next Saturday.
For what it’s worth, the champion Aljamain Sterling was impressed with Song’s performance.
Whatever fights shake out after this, it’s safe to say – bantamweight is the most stacked division in the UFC. Simon was ranked 10th coming into the bout, with a logjam in the top 5 between Dvalishvili, O’Malley, Sandhagen, Yan, and Vera.
Just to show how stacked the division truly is – Umar Nurmagomedov, also known as “bantamweight Khabib,” is waiting in the wings at number 11.
Share
Trending Videos
Social Buzz
A statement from Nate Diaz representative, Zach Rosenfield:
“Today, the Orleans Parish District Attorney informed us they will not be pursuing a case against Nate Diaz.
Since Rodney Peterson sought out to fight Nate on Bourbon Street, we have maintained Nate’s actions were ...100% in self defense. It was clear on video, clear in pictures and clear from the multiple other videos Rodney posted before and after.
Nate has a right to defend himself against those who want to make a name for themselves and did so.
We appreciate the Orleans Parish District Attorney taking the time to review all aspects of this case and their decision to not proceed with it.” 💯👊 @natediaz209
Mateusz Gamrot defeats Rafael Fiziev after Fiziev suffers what looks like a serious left knee injury and could not continue. Hoping for a speedy recovery for Ataman. 🙏 @mateusz_gamrot @rafael_ataman_fiziev
#ufcvegas79 #rafaelfiziev #mateuscgamrot
Mateusz Gamrot defeats Rafael Fiziev via TKO (knee injury) in round 2. Not the way anyone wanted to see this fight end, as it was shaping up to be an all-time classic. #UFCVegas79
Bryce Mitchell and his camo shorts beat Dan Ige by unanimous decision in a good battle. Congrats @thugnasty_ufc 🇺🇸 #ufcvegas79 #brycemitchell
Bryce Mitchell defeats Dan Ige via unanimous decision, 30-27, 29-28, 29-28 #UFCVegas79