Yadong Song Bio
Yadong Song is a Chinese professional mixed martial artist born on December 2, 1997, in Hulan District, Heilongjiang, China. He competes in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and is recognized for his striking ability and dynamic fighting style. Since beginning his training in mixed martial arts at age 13, Song has rapidly risen through the ranks to become a top contender in his weight class.
Early Life and Background
Born in Hulan District, Heilongjiang, China, Yadong Song began training in mixed martial arts at a young age, starting at 13 years old. His early exposure to martial arts laid the foundation for his professional career. Details about his formal education are not publicly documented, but his early commitment to MMA shaped his path in the sport.
Path to MMA
Song made his professional debut before turning sixteen, showcasing his talent early on. He initially trained with Enbo Fight Club before moving to Team Alpha Male in Sacramento, California, to further develop his skills. His early career featured rapid progress through regional competitions, leading to his entry into the UFC.
Yadong Song Career
Early Career (2013–2017)
Starting his professional MMA career in 2013, Song quickly built a reputation for his striking and submission skills. His early fights demonstrated his potential, earning him opportunities to compete at higher levels. Training with Enbo Fight Club during this period, he gained valuable experience that prepared him for the UFC.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2017–Present)
Song made his UFC debut on November 25, 2017, stepping in on short notice to fight Bharat Khandare at UFC Fight Night in Shanghai, China. He secured a submission victory via front choke, earning his first Performance of the Night award. Song continued to impress with notable wins over fighters such as Felipe Arantes, Alejandro Pérez, and Marlon Moraes, earning multiple Performance of the Night bonuses. His dynamic striking and ability to finish fights have made him a fan favorite and a top contender in the bantamweight division.
Throughout his UFC tenure, Song has faced tough competition, including bouts against Cody Stamann, Marlon Vera, and Cory Sandhagen. He has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, with a record featuring 22 wins and 8 losses as of 2025. His fighting style combines sanda striking techniques with effective grappling, making him a versatile and dangerous opponent.
Team Alpha Male Era (Date–Present)
Currently training with Team Alpha Male in Sacramento, California, Song has refined his skills under the guidance of experienced coaches. This move has contributed to his continued success and development as a fighter. His recent performances include a technical knockout win over Ricky Simón and a unanimous decision victory against Chris Gutiérrez.
Driving Style and Strengths
Song’s fighting style is characterized by his sanda background, which emphasizes fluid striking and powerful leg kicks. He combines this with strong grappling and submission skills, making him effective both on the feet and on the ground. His strategic approach and ability to adapt mid-fight have been key to his success.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Song’s career highlights are multiple Performance of the Night awards and his ranking as a top-five bantamweight contender in the UFC. Significant moments include his UFC debut submission win, knockout victories, and participation in high-profile bouts against former champions.
Yadong Song Career Wins
Yadong Song has accumulated 22 professional wins across his MMA career, with victories coming by knockout, submission, and decision. His ability to finish fights and perform under pressure has established him as a formidable competitor in the bantamweight division.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Highlights
Within the UFC, Song has earned several notable wins, including his debut submission victory and knockout of Alejandro Pérez. His most recent UFC win was a technical knockout against Ricky Simón in 2023, which earned him another Performance of the Night bonus. Song has also been involved in fights that earned Fight of the Night honors, reflecting his exciting fighting style.
Other Wins & Performances
Before joining the UFC, Song competed in regional MMA promotions in China, where he built a strong foundation with multiple wins that showcased his potential. These early performances paved the way for his entry into the global MMA scene.
Yadong Song Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Song’s family background are limited. He is married to Daisy, and together they have a son. His personal life remains relatively private outside of these known facts.
Personal Life
Yadong Song resides in Sacramento, California, where he trains with Team Alpha Male. He balances his professional career with family life alongside his wife and son.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Song continued to compete at a high level within the UFC bantamweight division. He secured a technical decision victory over former champion Henry Cejudo at UFC Fight Night 252, a fight that ended due to an accidental eye poke. This win added to his momentum as a top contender. Song is scheduled to face former bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley in early 2026, a bout that is highly anticipated by fans and analysts alike. His ongoing development and performances suggest he remains a significant force in the division.