This past Saturday in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 50, Song Yadong (19-6-1) had his biggest test to date. He was taking on former world title challenger “Magic” Marlon Moraes (23-10-1). Moraes was coming into the fight desperate for a win which made him even more dangerous.
It’s crazy to think that UFC Vegas 50 was already Yadong’s tenth fight with the promotion. What’s even crazier is the fact that he’s already at 26 professional fights including 10 in the UFC all before he has turned 25-years-old.
The young contender was ready to show the world that he can beat some of the best. As mentioned, Marlon Moraes entered the contest on a three-fight losing streak and desperately needed a win. However, Yadong was ready to meet Moraes head on.
From the opening bell, Yadong moved forward and he was throwing serious heat. He never gave Moraes a chance to get comfortable at UFC Vegas 50 and then just over two minutes in, he ended the fight. With a beautiful combination that featured a devastating uppercut, Yadong cemented himself as a top contender.
What’s next after UFC Vegas 50?
When the fight ended, Yadong actually had one specific name in mind for his next fight. It’s a man that he says he respects tremendously and it’s a man that has a ton of history with Yadong’s camp, Team Alpha Male.
That man is former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz. Cruz is currently ranked seventh in the bantamweight division just a couple of spots ahead of Yadong. He’s also on a two-fight winning streak.
Given the name recognition and the position in the division, it’s a perfect callout for Yadong. However, I don’t think that’s in the cards for the UFC. My gut says that Dominick Cruz is going to be fighting Jose Aldo next.
Another good potential opponent would be Sean O’Malley in a battle of the top young prospects. However, I think O’Malley is likely to fight Adrian Yanez next which would make him unavailable.
I think the logical next opponent for the UFC to book Yadong against is Merab Dvalishvili (14-4). Merab is on a five-fight winning streak and he’s also coming off of a win against Marlon Moraes.
However, Yadong looked even more impressive than Merab did in his win. I think the UFC should pair these two up with the winner being guaranteed a top five guy next. It’s time to see who is ready to take that next step towards title contention at 135 pounds.