By:  | March 13, 2022 6:54 pm

Song Yadong made a big statement in the UFC’s co-main event in Las Vegas this weekend. The 24-year-old looked phenomenal as he flatlined former WSOF (now PFL) champion Marlon Moraes.

The Chinese bantamweight was the youngest fighter on the card, but having made his pro debut in 2013 he has a wealth of experience. This was his tenth appearance in the octagon and his eighth UFC victory.

‘The Kung Fu Monkey’ came into the bout on the back of two straight victories and set his stall out early – unleashing a rapid three punch combination as soon as the fight began.

Speed and power

Having blocked a head kick from Moraes, who trained for this fight in Phuket, he rocked the veteran with a stinging right hand that sent him stumbling. Sensing vulnerability, Yadong stalked forward and threw his hands with speed and power.

‘Magic’ responded with a stiff jab and another head kick which his opponent saw coming. The Sacramento based fighter then unleased shots to the body before connecting with a flurry to the head.

Moraes clipped him with some single rights hands, but Yadong was preparing to unleash something special as he threw a lightning-fast four punch combination. The final shot was a right-hand uppercut and the only punch that landed flush but it was clean as a whistle and all he needed to seal the win with the Brazilian left folded.

Happy and sorry

The finish came at the 2:06 mark and saw Yadong improve his record to 19-6-1. Moraes drops to 23-10-1 after being stopped for the fifth time in a row.

Afterwards Yadong admitted he had mixed feelings about beating the veteran,

“I’m happy and I feel sorry because Marlon is also a very good fighter. I wish him win but I need to win too.”

Best of the rest

Afghanistan’s Javid Basharat (12-0) made his long awaited UFC debut. He scored a decision win over Trevin Jones (13-8) in their bantamweight bout

UFC Vegas 50, Las Vegas, March 12th
Magomed Ankalaev def. Thiago Santos via Decision (Unanimous)
Song Yadong def. Marlon Moraes via KO (Punches) at 2:06 of Round 1
Sodiq Yusuff def. Alex Caceres via Decision (Unanimous)
Khalil Rountree def. Karl Roberson via TKO (strikes) at :25 of Round 2
Drew Dober def. Terrance McKinney via TKO (strikes) at 3:17 of Round 1
Alex Pereira def. Bruno Silva via Decision (Unanimous)
Matthew Semelsberger def. A.J. Fletcher via Decision (Unanimous)
JJ Aldrich def. Gillian Robertson via Decision (Unanimous)
Javid Basharat def. Trevin Jones via Decision (Unanimous)
Damon Jackson def. Kamuela Kirk via submission (arm-triangle choke) at 4:42 of Round 2
Miranda Maverick def. Sabina Mazo via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:15 of Round 2
Cody Brundage def. Dalcha Lungiambula via submission (guillotine) at 3:41 of Round 1
Guido Cannetti def. Kris Moutinho via TKO (punches) at 2:07 of Round 1
Azamat Murzakanov def. Tafon Nchukwi via TKO (flying knee) at 0:44 of Round 3