Chinese fighters on Song for global MMA challenge as more mainland events loom in 2018
Regional promoters prepare to expand their reach across China as domestic fighters make world take notice following UFC’s debut in Shanghai
November 25, 2017 was when Chinese mixed martial arts formally introduced itself to the world – and Song Yadong has been dining out on the memory ever since.
As did Song.
Called up to the card on less than two weeks’ notice – and at just 19 years of age – “The Terminator” (10-3) simply overpowered Indian featherweight opponent Bharat Kandare (5-3) before laying down a guillotine choke in the last minute of their first round. It was an impressive display of potential and a statement of intent from a fighter who had tested the waters with no fewer than six regional MMA outfits since making his professional debut back in 2013 as a fresh-faced 16-year-old.
“When the offer came I knew I just had to grab it,” says Song. “This was the biggest night for MMA in China and the biggest night of my life. When I was starting I just wanted to take on any fight that was offered to me. Getting to the UFC was always my goal and I thought that the more fights I had, the closer I would come.
“I never thought I would get to the Octagon so quickly but taking on all those fights with all those different organisations helped me get there.”
Song’s victory on the night also – importantly – arrested an 0-3 slide for local fighters. By night’s end, China’s record had improved to 5-3 and delirious local fans had toasted victories for the likes of welterweight Li “The Leech” Jingliang (14-4) and featherweight Wang “The Dongbei Tiger” Guan (17-1-1).