Umar Nurmagomedov Warns Song Yadong: Don't Underestimate Me

Umar Nurmagomedov hopes Song Yadong isn't underestimating him.

The former title contender, Nurmagomedov, is set to face Song in the main event of UFC Fight Night 286 this Saturday. The bout will take place at the Shanghai Oriental Sports Center in China.

Song previously labeled Nurmagomedov an easy opponent – a statement he later admitted to MMA Junkie was made to promote the fight. Regardless, Nurmagomedov asserts that he is no easy fight for anyone.

Nurmagomedov also previously had harsh words for Song, calling him a "punching bag." He clarified that his comments were lost in translation and that he was actually expressing disappointment in Song's loss to O'Malley.

"I didn't say 'punching bag.' That's how it was translated," Nurmagomedov explained. "I meant that he fought Sean O'Malley and should have beaten him. I was rooting for him and was a bit angry that he lost because I thought if he lost, he wouldn't fight for the title. He would fall out of contention for the belt. He's a good fighter, he's tough, he has a lot of experience. He's been in the UFC for a long time. Even his debut was three years before mine. He's a tough fighter."