It’s been about a year since Song Yadong last fought in the Octagon, but he hasn’t been idle all this while. After months of training, Song will face former two-division champion Henry Cejudo in the main event of UFC Fight Night 252. However, before this fight, it seemed like he and Dana White had other plans cooking for the bantamweight contender. So, what is the plan? Well, it includes a member from team Dagestan, Umar Nurmagomedov, a man who once lied to him.

Speaking to reporters at media day, Song said that the UFC offered him a bout against Umar Nurmagomedov, which he readily accepted. However, things changed dramatically when Nurmagomedov was booked against Merab Dvalishvili for a title opportunity at UFC 298. The Dagestani fighter ultimately lost by unanimous decision, but ‘Kung Fu Kid’ believes the circumstances unfolded in a way that left unfinished business between him and the member of team Khabib Nurmagomedov. He said, “For next, I want to fight Umar. Because the UFC offered me, like, a few months ago. I want to get it done. We both never signed a contract. I told them I can fight, and the UFC said yes.”

However, Kung Fu Kid’ further added that Team Nurmagomedov told him that Umar Nurmagomedov got injured. But it all turned out to be nothing but a lie. “Eventually, they told me he got injured. I don’t know what happened. Then, two days later, (he got the fight with) Merab. I think Umar actually injured, but the UFC told him, ‘Merab can fight you; he wanted to get the chance to be the champion,’ so he took the fight.” It is worth noting that Urijah Faber, the coach of Song Yadong, also stated last year that the two will be getting into a fight. “I think both Umar and Song are guys that people don’t want to fight, so they’re both willing to step up. I think that’s a good fight.”

Regardless of how things go against Cejudo on Saturday, Song’s goal is to finally make the dream fight happen. However, he also has much bigger goals, like overthrowing Merab Dvalishvili from the division’s throne. ‘Kung Fu Kid,’ who is sure that the bantamweight champion is not unbreakable, openly stated that he has the ability to knock him out. With Dana White’s backing and a chip on his shoulder, Song Yadong is clearly aiming for the division’s top spot. However, before that, he plans to defeat and possibly retire Henry Cejudo.

Song Yadong reveals plan to defeat Henry Cejudo

Henry Cejudo has experienced it all in combat sports, from Olympic gold to two-division UFC championship. However, at 38 years old, he is at a crossroads in his career, struggling to recover his footing after coming out of retirement. After losing to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 298, Cejudo claimed to have filmed a retirement video but ultimately decided he couldn’t end his career on such a dreadful note. His upcoming fight against Song Yadong at UFC Fight Night 252 may now decide his fate—but Yadong has no intention of letting him get back.

Despite his admiration for Cejudo’s accomplishments, ‘Kung Fu Kid’ has one clear goal in mind: to send ‘Triple C’ into retirement for good. Speaking on The MMA Hour, the 27-year-old Chinese fighter acknowledged his opponent’s legendary status while emphasizing his intention to dominate the fight. “He’s a legend, [Cejudo] was an Olympic champ when I was young, two-division UFC champion… I like the fight. I believe I will make him retire after this one… It’s gonna be one-sided beat-up.”

Yadong is also well aware of Cejudo’s game plan—using his world-class wrestling to grind out a victory. But ‘Kung Fu Kid’ is still sure that he can shut it down. “I believe he’s gonna try and wrestle me. I don’t think he’ll stand [and fight] with me,” he said. With Cejudo’s back against the wall and Yadong seeking to make a statement, their Seattle fight promises to be a high-stakes affair. What do you think? Who will win the fight? Will Yadong get his fight against Umar Nurmagomedov? Let us know in the comments.