Zabit Magomedsharipov calls Yadong Song’s Umar Nurmagomedov KO a ‘lucky punch’

Zabit Magomedsharipov is backing his compatriot Umar Nurmagomedov to bounce back after a shocking knockout loss at UFC Shanghai on August 29. Nurmagomedov fell to Yadong Song via second-round right uppercut in the event's main event—his first-ever defeat by finish and his second professional loss overall.

Magomedsharipov downplayed the result as a matter of misfortune rather than a fundamental flaw. Speaking at an ACBJJ 22 press conference ahead of his own submission grappling match, the former UFC fighter said: "I believe Umar will be back. I see no problem there. Anyone can experience that. It is what it is. I think it was bad luck. He was well prepared for the fight and I think it was a lucky punch. It may happen to anyone and no one is safe there."

Nurmagomedov entered UFC Shanghai as a heavy betting favorite but has now fallen out of title contention following the upset. Song, meanwhile, has thrust himself into title picture conversations. He called for a shot at the bantamweight crown, eyeing the belt to be contested at UFC 333 between current champion Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili. The knockout marked a significant career high for Song and a jarring reversal of fortune for the previously undefeated Nurmagomedov.