Song Yadong Sets Sights on Championship Path After UFC Vegas 83 Triumph

In the pulsating aftermath of UFC Vegas 83, Song Yadong asserts his prowess, eyeing the summit of the bantamweight division and signaling his readiness to face Petr Yan after a commanding victory over Chris Gutierrez.

The echoes of victory reverberated through the UFC APEX as Song Yadong, despite falling short of a finish, showcased a masterful display of control and dominance against Chris Gutierrez in the main event. Yadong's relentless five-round performance, accentuated by a formidable ground and pound, secured an undeniable victory with judges' scorecards reading 50-44, 50-45, and 50-45 in his favor.

Post-fight, while Yadong expressed disappointment over the relocation of the event from China, he exuded contentment with the win, emphasizing his unwavering pursuit of the bantamweight championship.

"I really wanted to fight in China, that’s my home. In the top 15, no one takes the fight but I’m coming to get the belt," Yadong stated, asserting his intentions to ascend the divisional ladder.

Engaging in a high-octane clash against Gutierrez, Yadong faced a tactically nimble adversary, maneuvering adeptly while showcasing striking prowess. Despite Gutierrez's elusive movement and striking exchanges, Yadong's transition to wrestling and ground control was pivotal in cementing his dominance throughout the bout.

While the initial rounds saw both fighters trade potent leg kicks without either establishing a distinct advantage, Yadong's calculated takedowns and ground game became instrumental in steering the momentum in his favor.

As the bout progressed, Yadong's power shots found their mark, particularly in the fourth round, when a stiff punch rocked Gutierrez, enabling Yadong to unleash a barrage of strikes and transition to ground and pound. With his grappling superiority evident, Yadong methodically maintained control, asserting dominance over Gutierrez in every grappling exchange.

The victory marks Yadong's notable ascent, now boasting a 5-1 record in his last six fights, with his lone loss against perennial contender Cory Sandhagen.

Looking ahead, Yadong wasted no time in targeting former bantamweight champion Petr Yan, responding to Yan's dismissive reaction to the fight with a callout, signifying his intent to challenge the division's elite.

As Yadong basks in the glory of his triumph, the bantamweight landscape awaits a potential clash between the rising force of Yadong and the formidable stature of Petr Yan, signaling an enthralling chapter in the division's unfolding narrative.