UFC Fight Night: Nurmagomedov vs. Song takes place this Saturday, August 29, 2026, live from the SPD Bank Oriental Sports Center in Shanghai, China. The event marks the UFC’s return to Shanghai and features a high-stakes bantamweight main event between two top contenders. The entire event will stream live on Paramount+.

Headlining the event is a bantamweight showdown between No. 3-ranked Umar Nurmagomedov and No. 6-ranked Song Yadong. Nurmagomedov enters looking to reassert his status as a top title contender after a previous loss, bringing elite wrestling, relentless pressure, and a high finishing rate via submission. Song enters as the hometown favorite with dangerous knockout power, sharp striking, and recent momentum, including finishes that have kept him relevant near the top of the division.

The matchup presents an intriguing clash of styles. Nurmagomedov will look to close the distance, secure takedowns, and control the fight on the ground. Song will try to keep it standing, use his striking volume and power, and potentially find a finish in the exchanges.

Below are my top UFC Fight Night predictions for Saturday’s event.

UFC Fight Night: Nurmagomedov vs. Song Predictions & Picks

Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Song Yadong

Pick: Umar Nurmagomedov

This is a classic striker vs grappler matchup.  Umar is a great grappler, and his only loss in the UFC is against Merab Dvashvili in a fight that he was up 2 rounds to 0 before he broke his hand.  He isn’t an exciting fighter, and Song is going to be throwing missiles back his way, but he’ll be controlling where this fight takes place.  Umar will slow this fight down and just grind it out, likely leading to a decision win.

  • Prediction: Umar Nurmagomedov by Decision -175

Andre Lima vs Namsrai Batbayar

Pick: Namsrai Batbayar

If someone in this fight is getting it to the ground, it’ll be Namsrai, so he’ll be able to dictate where this fight takes place.  Lima was a hyped up prospect, but he’s had two fights where he lost rounds early but was able to get the finish.  Lima lacks a gas tank that can press hard for three rounds, and while I don’t love Namsrai’s striking when both of these men are fresh, if he lands a few takedowns, he could be able to steal rounds and eventually win the fight.

  • Prediction: Batbayar ML +220

Kai Asakura vs. Aori Qileng

Pick: Kai Asakura

This is a major step back in competition for Kai.  He came into the UFC and was immediately thrown into a title fight. This is a classic bounce-back spot for him, and a KO is likely happening in the first round.

  • Prediction: Kai Asakura by KO/TKO -175, Round 1 KO +200

 

 

 

How to Watch UFC Fight Night: Nurmagomedov vs. Song

Fans can watch UFC Fight Night: Nurmagomedov vs. Song live on Paramount+. The event takes place Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the SPD Bank Oriental Sports Center in Shanghai, China. The prelims begin at 3:00 AM ET, followed by the main card at 6:00 AM ET.

  • Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
  • Location: SPD Bank Oriental Sports Center, Shanghai, China
  • Prelims: 3:00 AM ET
  • Main Card: 6:00 AM ET
  • Streaming Platform: Paramount+