UFC Shanghai is set to feature 13 fights this weekend, beginning at 3 a.m. ET on Paramount+. The main card is scheduled to start at 6 a.m. ET, with nine of the scheduled bouts projected to end before the final bell. However, both the co-main event and the main event are anticipated to go the full distance.
Main Event: Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Song Yadong
The main event pits Umar Nurmagomedov against hometown favorite Song Yadong. Nurmagomedov, considered a top prospect with elite training, enters the fight as a significant favorite. However, the New York Post suggests that his odds, as high as -600, may not reflect his ability to dominate. Yadong is coming off a decisive victory over Deiveson Figueiredo, a fighter Nurmagomedov defeated by unanimous decision. While Nurmagomedov is expected to utilize his grappling, Yadong has a strong defensive record, having never been submitted. His sole TKO loss was due to a doctor's stoppage from cuts. The betting analysis points to Yadong +5.5 on the scorecards as a viable wager, indicating that a bet would cash if he wins, doesn't get finished, or loses by a margin less than 49-46 on the judges' scorecards. A smaller bet on Yadong by decision is also suggested.
Co-Main Event: Yan Xiaonan vs. Denise Gomes
In the co-main event, Yan Xiaonan is a considerable favorite against the 26-year-old Brazilian, Denise Gomes. Gomes has won her last four fights and is expected to be improving. Xiaonan, meanwhile, has lost two of her last three bouts, including a title fight loss to Zhang Weili. The analysis suggests that while this may appear to be a step down for Xiaonan, her recent momentum is questionable. Gomes is noted for her well-rounded skillset, capable in both striking and grappling. If Gomes can win the striking exchanges, Xiaonan may struggle to secure takedowns. The prediction favors Gomes to win by decision.
Full Card Picks
Other notable predictions for the UFC Shanghai card include:
- Aoriqileng vs. Kai Asakura: Fight goes the distance.
- Liu Ce vs. Levi Rodrigues Jr.: Ce by KO/TKO.
- Bilal Hasan vs. Nilson Rojas: Hasan wins, and the fight starts Round 2.
- Namsrai Batbayar vs. Andre Lima: Lima by KO/TKO.
- Rei Tsuruya vs. Kevin Borjas: Tsuruya by submission.
- Jack Jenkins vs. Sean Woodson: Woodson wins in Round 3 or by decision.
- Xiao Long vs. Francesco Nuzzi: Fight does not go the distance.
- Xiong Jingnan vs. Julia Polastri: Polastri by KO/TKO.
- Ding Meng vs. Cam Nelson: Meng by KO/TKO.
Alex Perez vs. Sumudaerji and Lawrence Lui vs. Hector Santiago are listed as passes or with a small bet on Santiago respectively.
The analysis for the UFC Shanghai card comes from Erich Richter, who has a background in mixed martial arts betting. The New York Post may earn an affiliate commission from betting sites if users sign up through provided links.