Umar Nurmagomedov is interested in fighting ‘punching bag’ Song Yadong

Umar Nurmagomedov is up for a short notice fight against Song Yadong with the David Martinez fight seemingly falling through.

At UFC Abu Dhabi next month, Umar Nurmagomedov was initially scheduled to go head to head with David Martinez. However, following rumblings that Martinez is injured and may be forced to withdraw, the attention has now shifted to a potential Umar vs Song Yadong showdown.

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Of course, many people believe that Nurmagomedov has done more than enough to earn a shot at the title, but it would appear as if Merab Dvalishvili – or maybe even Sean O’Malley – are more likely to get the call to square off with Petr Yan.

In a recent interview, Nurmagomedov made it crystal clear that he is willing to take on Song.

Nurmagomedov is open to Song clash

“Of course, I’m interested,” Nurmagomedov told Adam Zubayraev of Song in a translated interview. “He’s a punching bag. How did he do against O’Malley? He was dead by the third round. … He was taking knees to the face. How do you fight?

“I don’t consider him a top-class fighter, honestly. The only thing he has is that one punch. That’s it. What else does he have? For me, it’s an easy fight, but of course, I’ll prepare to take him out. No underestimation, but I don’t know, it’s a bit weak.”

“I was really disappointed he fought O’Malley like that – really disappointed,” Nurmagomedov said. “It was such an even fight, but I don’t know. I’m underestimating both of them. It’s not that I underestimate them, they’re just like – I’ll take them out.”

Quotes via MMA Junkie

Who do you back in this fight if it happens? Will Umar eventually become UFC champion? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!