Sports

Song Yadong Eyes Upset at UFC 324
By James Moreau | 24 Jan, 2026

After a controversial win over Henry Cejudo, Chinese bantamweight powerhouse Song Yadong prepares to face Sean O'Malley at UFC 324.

Bantamweight UFC contender Song Yadong known as the “Kung Fu Kid,” has established himself as one of China’s premier mixed martial artists.  At age 15 he made his professional debut and has compiled an impressive record of 22 wins, 8 losses, and 1 draw.  Song’s explosive hand speed, paired with technical boxing precision have propelled him to the number 5 ranking in the bantamweight division.

Since making his UFC debut as a 19-year-old in November 2017, 5 of Song’s 11 wins have come from knockouts – with 4 of those being credited to punches.  His dynamic performances have earned him five Performance of the Night bonuses and one Fight of the Night honor, the latter coming from a 2020 featherweight battle against Marlon Vera.

Song’s most recent victory came in controversy in February 2025.  At UFC Fight Night 252 opponent Henry Cejudo was on the receiving end of an inadvertent eye poke in the third round.  Stoppage was granted but Cejudo finished the round, after which it was determined to call the fight due to his impaired vision.  With most of the scheduled rounds complete Song was awarded a victory in unanimous technical decision.  Had the fight ended at the stoppage it would have ended in no contest.  Additionally a point was not awarded for the poke, which would have changed the outcome to a majority draw.  Song apologized to Cejudo and the fans for the accidental poke, vowing to “run it back.”

Song is featured on the Main Card of UFC 324 scheduled for January 24th.  The 28-year-old faces the number 3 bantamweight fighter and former champion Sean O’Malley.  The pre-fight build-up includes heightened personal tension after O’Malley wore a COVID mask during their faceoff.  Song condemned the stunt as “totally racist” while firing back on X that the pandemic was the only stretch of O’Malley’s career when people liked him.

Sportsbooks consider O’Malley a strong favorite with a 5-inch reach advantage.  While Song’s relentless forward pressure and clinical boxing accuracy will be tested against an elusive opponent, he possesses the explosive knockout power capable of ending any fight with a single exchange.