UFC Shanghai Weigh-Ins: Nurmagomedov and Song Clear, Three Fighters Miss
UFC Shanghai official weigh-ins concluded with main event fighters Umar Nurmagomedov and Song Yadong making weight, while three preliminary card participants missed their limits. The event takes place Saturday at the Oriental Sports Center in Shanghai, China.
Key points
- Umar Nurmagomedov (135.5 lbs) and Song Yadong (136 lbs) made weight for the bantamweight main event, which is scheduled for five rounds.
- Yan Xiaonan (115.5 lbs) and Denise Gomes (115 lbs) made weight for the strawweight co-main event.
- Andre Lima missed the flyweight limit at 127 lbs, forfeiting 20% of his purse to Namsrai Batbayar.
- Julia Polastri (118.5 lbs) and Xiong Jingnan (117 lbs) both missed the strawweight limit, but their bout will proceed as scheduled.
- The event streams on Paramount+ starting at 3 a.m. ET for prelims and 6 a.m. ET for the main card.
Background
This event follows recent UFC weigh-in activities, including UFC Sacramento and UFC 330, where weight management and cuts were significant topics. At UFC Sacramento, fighters like Marcio Barbosa and Gregory Rodrigues showed substantial post-weigh-in gains, while UFC 330 saw all fighters make weight smoothly. The current weigh-ins for UFC Shanghai highlight continued challenges with weight limits in non-title bouts, where a one-pound allowance is permitted by the promotion.
How outlets are covering it
MMA Mania and UFC.com provided identical official weight results, confirming the main and co-main event fighters made weight. MMA Junkie emphasized the three weight misses on the preliminary card, detailing the financial penalty for Andre Lima and the procedural outcome for the strawweight bout. CBS Sports focused on the narrative surrounding the main event, noting Nurmagomedov's personal grievances with Merab Dvalishvili and Song Yadong's cross-training in Georgia, while also providing betting odds and expert predictions. All sources agree on the venue (Oriental Sports Center) and broadcast details (Paramount+), but differ in emphasis: MMA Mania and UFC.com focus on the factual results, MMA Junkie on the infractions, and CBS Sports on the fight's context and analysis.
Why it matters
The weigh-ins confirm the main event will proceed as scheduled, setting the stage for a significant bantamweight bout that could influence title contention. The weight misses on the preliminary card highlight ongoing issues with weight management in the UFC, particularly in non-title fights where allowances are permitted. The event's timing and broadcast details are crucial for global audiences, especially given the early morning ET start time.
What to watch
The main card begins at 6 a.m. ET on Saturday, August 29, 2026, with the prelims starting at 3 a.m. ET. Fans can watch the event on Paramount+. The outcome of the Nurmagomedov vs. Song Yadong bout may influence future title opportunities, as Song Yadong has stated a win would guarantee a title shot. The UFC will also monitor the financial penalties and procedural outcomes for the fighters who missed weight.
- Live: UFC Shanghai early weigh ins results | Umar vs. Song MMA Mania
- Official Weigh-In Results | UFC Shanghai UFC.com
- UFC Fight Night predictions -- Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Song Yadong: Fight card, odds and expert picks for China CBS Sports
- UFC Shanghai weigh-in results: Both fighters miss weight for matchup in rare mishap Yahoo Sports
- UFC Fight Night 286 weigh-in results: Multiple misses in Shanghai MMA Junkie
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