Umar Nurmagomedov (18-0) claims his expected UFC Tampa clash against Yadong Song (21-8) is off.
Nurmagomedov was reportedly close to finalizing a headlining clash against Song at UFC Tampa in December. However, the Dagestani recently said that the booking has fallen through as Song is injured.
Nurmagomedov remains adamant on competing in December or at least before Ramadan, which begins in February 2025. Nurmagomedov was initially rallying for a gold bid against Merab Dvalishvili, who dethroned Sean O’Malley at UFC 306 this past September. However, Dvalishvili has consistently downplayed Nurmagomedov’s claim to a title shot and prefers a rematch against “Suga.” The bantamweight champ recently lost his cool during a Q&A session when a fan asked him if he’s scared to face Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov also responded to Dvalishvili while announcing the cancelation of his booking against Yadong.
“I am always ready, and right now I am waiting for an opponent, as Yadong declined to fight in December — I was told he is injured,” Nurmagomedov wrote on X. “Merab, before my fight with Sandhagen, you said that if I beat him, I would deserve recognition. Now you have changed your position — decide who you are. All the fans and analysts are noticing how you are avoiding the fight. Championship is recognition, but you haven’t received it, and you know that perfectly well.
“I am not waiting for anyone and I want to fight before Ramadan. I hope UFC finds an opponent. And the title, inshaAllah, is just a matter of time.”
I am always ready, and right now I am waiting for an opponent, as Yadong declined to fight in December — I was told he is injured.
Merab, before my fight with Sandhagen, you said that if I beat him, I would deserve recognition. Now you have changed your position — decide who…
— Umar Nurmagomedov (@UNmgdv) October 25, 2024
I am not waiting for anyone and
I want to fight before Ramadan.
I hope UFC finds an opponent. And the title, inshaAllah, is just a matter of time. pic.twitter.com/hasZPpDO2k— Umar Nurmagomedov (@UNmgdv) October 25, 2024
An MMA media member then highlighted Nurmagomedov’s own lack of activity while noting that he’s asking the champ to defend the strap just three months after winning it.
Umar you are an amazing fighter, but your quickest return to the Octagon in your UFC career was 112 days, with no other fights having less than a 5-month gap in between.
Now, you’re asking the newly crowned champion to return just 91 days after his last fight.
Why would he…
— AFeldmanMMA (@afeldMMA) October 25, 2024
Nurmagomedov defended himself, blaming the inactivity mostly on factors beyond his control.
“Thank you very much. This has always been related to the fact that the UFC couldn’t find an opponent. I have always wanted to fight at least every three months.”
Thank you very much. This has always been related to the fact that the UFC couldn’t find an opponent. I have always wanted to fight at least every three months.
— Umar Nurmagomedov (@UNmgdv) October 25, 2024
Nurmagomedov subsequently agreed to postpone the Song matchup to UFC 311 on Jan. 18 during an Instagram exchange with “The Kung Fu Kid.”
Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Song Yadong could happen on the first PPV of the year at UFC 311 after the fight falling through due to an injury from Yadong. ( @SongYadongLFG) pic.twitter.com/mOM9FKCEJH
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) October 25, 2024
Nurmagomedov has finished three of his six UFC wins, sealing his presumed No. 1 contender status with a unanimous decision over Cory Sandhagen at UFC Abu Dhabi this past August. Meanwhile, “The Machine” extended his winning streak to 11 with his title win over O’Malley.
