Yadong
Song has earned the right to a big-name callout.
Song announced his presence in the UFC’s bantamweight division with
authority on Saturday night, knocking former title challenger and
ex-WSOF champ Marlon
Moraes with an uppercut 2:06 into the opening round of their
co-main event clash. It wasn’t necessarily the finish Song
expected, but it is part of his training regimen.
“I was not planning for any uppercut, but I practice these combos
every day,” Song said through a translator at the UFC Fight Night
203 post-fight press conference. “I’m really thankful for my boxing
coach. He taught me some good uppercuts.”
Currently in the midst of a three-fight winning streak in the
Octagon, Song hopes to renew the Team Alpha Male rivalry with
Dominick
Cruz. Only in this case, the “Kung Fu Monkey” considers himself
to be a fan of the former UFC bantamweight champion.
“I watched his fights since I was a young kid and I like him very
much,” Song said. “I like his style. So I’m curious what about my
style (matched) with his style? What’s gonna happen?”
Regardless of what’s next, Song has established himself as a person
of interest at 135 pounds. For now, there is now timetable for the
Chinese standout to reach the top of the division.
“I’m just gonna keep taking all the fights,” he said. “Win (those)
fights, and I will be there.”