Hello, mixed martial artist fans! If you love following the MMA and admire world-class, Song Yadong is a name you’ll recognize instantly. Song Yadong is a top Chinese bantamweight contender in the UFC, known for his aggressive striking, strong takedown defense, and consistent climb up the rankings. By 2026 he is a well-established name with multi-fight main-event experience, a seven-figure career earnings profile, and growing brand appeal.
Song Yadong’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Song Yadong (宋亚东) |
| Nickname | “Kung Fu Kid” |
| Date of Birth | December 2, 1997 |
| Age | 28 years old |
| Nationality | Chinese |
| Height | 5’8″ (1.73m) |
| Weight | 136 lbs (61-62 kg) |
| Reach | 67 inches |
| Birthplace | Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China |
| College | N/A |
| Religion | N/A |
| Turned Professional | May 2013 |
| UFC Debut | November 25, 2017 |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Spouse | Daisy Yadong |
| Children | One son |
| Gym/Team | Team Alpha Male |
| Instagram Profile | @yadongsong |
| Current UFC Ranking | #5 Bantamweight |
| Net Worth | Approximately $1 million – $1.5 million |
| Estimated Yearly Salary | $300,000+ |
Early Career
Song Yadong’s journey into mixed martial arts began in childhood when his single mother enrolled him in a Sanda (Chinese kickboxing) martial arts school at just nine years old. This foundational training in traditional Chinese martial arts shaped his striking arsenal and fighting mentality. By age 13, he had transitioned to formal MMA training. The young fighter made his professional debut at the remarkably young age of 15 in May 2013 at RUFF 9, competing in the Sanda circuit before gaining international exposure.
Throughout his early career from 2013 to 2017, Song fought primarily in Chinese regional promotions, building an impressive record while competing at multiple weight classes. His exceptional hand speed and explosiveness caught the attention of major promoters, setting the stage for his eventual UFC signing.
Professional Career
Song Yadong’s UFC career began on November 25, 2017, when he stepped in on short notice to face Indian fighter Bharat Khandare at UFC Fight Night in Shanghai, China. The young Chinese fighter delivered an impressive debut performance, landing precise counter strikes before securing a first-round submission victory via guillotine choke—a performance that earned him the first of five Performance of the Night bonuses.
Over the subsequent years, Song established himself as a dynamic striker with devastating finishing power. He progressed through opponents including Felipe Arantes, Vince Morales, Alejandro Pérez, and Marlon Vera, building an impressive resume with multiple knockout victories.
Notable highlights include his spectacular first-round knockout of Marlon Moraes, a former title challenger, which showcased his elite striking range and timing. While he experienced setbacks against Kyler Phillips and Cory Sandhagen, Song demonstrated remarkable resilience by returning to winning form and establishing himself among the division’s elite contenders.
Wife
Song Yadong is happily married to his wife Daisy Yadong, who played a crucial role in his career development. According to reports, it was Daisy who initially helped Song reach out to Team Alpha Male via email, leading to his training partnership with the legendary Urijah Faber.
Together, the couple has a son. Song maintains a relatively private personal life while being active on social media, regularly sharing training content and fight preparation updates with his 172,000+ Instagram followers. His family situation showcases his commitment to balancing professional obligations with personal relationships, which has contributed to his stability and success in the sport.
Song Yadong’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Based on current estimates, Song Yadong’s net worth is approximately $1 million to $1.5 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his UFC career, which includes estimated career earnings exceeding $1.8 million from fight purses alone. His most recent fight against Henry Cejudo at UFC Seattle in February 2025 earned him $320,000 in disclosed purse money (split between show money and win bonus), representing one of his biggest single-fight payouts. Beyond base salaries and win bonuses, Song’s income streams include Performance of the Night bonuses, sponsorship deals, appearance fees, and merchandise sales. His rising star status, combined with consistent high-level performances, continues to increase his earning potential with each UFC appearance.
Fight Purses
| Date | Event | Opponent | Result | Purse Details |
| February 22, 2025 | UFC Seattle | Henry Cejudo | Win (Technical Decision) | $320,000 (Card High) |
| December 9, 2023 | UFC Fight Night | Chris Gutiérrez | Win (Decision) | $261,000 |
| April 29, 2023 | UFC on ESPN | Ricky Simón | Win (TKO) | ~$200,000+ |
| September 17, 2022 | UFC Fight Night 210 | Cory Sandhagen | Loss (TKO) | ~$180,000+ |
| March 12, 2022 | UFC Fight Night | Marlon Moraes | Win (KO) | ~$170,000+ |
| June 23, 2018 | UFC Fight Night | Felipe Arantes | Win (TKO) | $50,000 Performance Bonus |
| November 25, 2017 | UFC Shanghai | Bharat Khandare | Win (Submission) | $50,000 Performance Bonus |
Endorsements
- UFC Official Outfitting Sponsorship – Venum brand apparel and fight gear (UFC’s official apparel partner)
- OpenSponsorship – Available for custom brand partnerships and influencer collaborations
- Energy Drink Sponsorships – Venom Energy (UFC Fight Week Incentive Program)
- Team Alpha Male Gym Affiliation – Training facility and coaching partnerships
- Social Media Brand Partnerships – Fitness and supplement brands frequently collaborate with his 172K Instagram following
- Potential Sponsorship Opportunities – Available for brand ambassador deals, appearance fees, and content creation partnerships
Career Records
| Opponent | Result | Method | Date | Significance |
| Henry Cejudo | Win | Technical Decision | February 2025 | Former 2x UFC Champion |
| Petr Yan | Loss | Unanimous Decision | March 2024 | Former UFC Champion |
| Chris Gutiérrez | Win | Unanimous Decision | December 2023 | Strong Competition |
| Ricky Simón | Win | TKO (Round 5) | April 2023 | Performance of the Night |
| Cory Sandhagen | Loss | TKO (Doctor Stoppage) | September 2022 | Top-5 Ranked Opponent |
| Marlon Moraes | Win | KO (Punches, Round 1) | March 2022 | Former Title Challenger |
| Julio Arce | Win | TKO (Head Kick & Punches) | November 2021 | Explosive Finish |
| Casey Kenney | Win | Split Decision | August 2021 | Competitive Victory |
| Kyler Phillips | Loss | Unanimous Decision | March 2021 | Early Career Setback |
| Marlon Vera | Win | Unanimous Decision | May 2020 | Fight of the Night Award |
| Cody Stamann | Draw | Majority Draw | December 2019 | Competitive Bout |
| Alejandro Pérez | Win | KO (Punch, Round 1) | July 2019 | Performance of the Night |
| Vince Morales | Win | Unanimous Decision | November 2018 | Successful Return |
| Felipe Arantes | Win | TKO (Elbow, Round 2) | June 2018 | Performance of the Night |
| Bharat Khandare | Win | Submission (Guillotine) | November 2017 | UFC Debut – Performance of the Night |
FAQs
1. What is Song Yadong’s nickname and why is it called “Kung Fu Kid”?
Song Yadong’s fighting nickname is “Kung Fu Kid,” derived from his extensive background in traditional Chinese martial arts, particularly Sanda and Wushu. He began training in martial arts at just nine years old, and this deep foundation in kung fu methodology has shaped his striking style, footwork, and overall fighting philosophy throughout his professional career.
2. How did Song Yadong join Team Alpha Male and train with Urijah Faber?
Song Yadong initially reached out to Team Alpha Male, the legendary Sacramento-based gym, through an email sent by his wife Daisy. Urijah Faber, the UFC Hall of Famer and team founder, recognized Song’s exceptional striking and explosiveness and offered him an opportunity to train. This partnership proved transformative, as Faber helped Song develop his grappling and wrestling—areas where his traditional Sanda background had left gaps. The collaboration has been instrumental in Song’s rise through the UFC ranks.
3. What is Song Yadong’s striking style and fighting approach?
Song Yadong is renowned for his lightning-fast striking, devastating hand speed, and explosive power punches, particularly his right hand. Coming from a Sanda background, his style incorporates quick counter punches, swift footwork, and the ability to land clean combinations in rapid succession. He combines boxing fundamentals with high-level kick defense and is known for his ability to create angles and land fight-ending strikes. His striking accuracy and timing make him one of the most exciting strikers in the bantamweight division.
4. How many times has Song Yadong won Performance of the Night bonuses?
Song Yadong has won the Performance of the Night bonus five times during his UFC career—demonstrating his ability to deliver spectacular finishes and engaging performances. These bonuses came for his fights against Bharat Khandare (UFC debut), Felipe Arantes, Alejandro Pérez, Marlon Moraes, and Ricky Simón. Additionally, he earned one Fight of the Night bonus for his bout against Marlon Vera.
5. What is Song Yadong’s record against top-ranked opponents?
Song Yadong has faced several top-ranked and former championship contenders with mixed results. His notable victories include wins over Henry Cejudo (former 2x UFC champion), Marlon Moraes (former title challenger), and several ranked bantamweights. His losses have come against elite competition including Petr Yan (former UFC champion) and Cory Sandhagen (top-5 ranked). His 22-8-1 record reflects competitive battles at the highest level of the sport.
6. How much has Song Yadong earned from his UFC career?
Song Yadong’s estimated UFC career earnings exceed $1.8 million, with his individual fight purses ranging from approximately $150,000 to $320,000. His biggest single payday came from his February 2025 victory over Henry Cejudo, where he earned $320,000 (the fight card high). Additional income from Performance of the Night bonuses, sponsorships, and appearance fees contributes significantly to his overall wealth.
7. What was the result of Song Yadong’s fight against Henry Cejudo?
On February 22, 2025, at UFC Seattle, Song Yadong defeated Henry Cejudo via technical decision after three completed rounds. The fight was stopped at the beginning of the fourth round due to an eye injury suffered by Cejudo from an accidental eye poke delivered by Song. The judges’ scorecards favored Song with scores of 29-28, 29-28, and 30-27, making it an impressive victory for the “Kung Fu Kid” against a legendary two-division champion.
8. What are Song Yadong’s physical measurements and fighting advantages?
Standing 5’8″ (173cm) tall with a reach of 67 inches, Song Yadong carries a lean, muscular frame at 136 pounds that allows him to generate significant power relative to his size. Despite being average height for the bantamweight division, his exceptional hand speed, footwork, and striking angles allow him to compete effectively against opponents with longer reaches. His physical conditioning and explosiveness are significant advantages in his fighting style.
9. What major championships and awards has Song Yadong achieved?
While Song Yadong has not won a UFC championship, his accolades include five Performance of the Night bonuses and one Fight of the Night bonus, among the highest honors in the UFC for exciting performances. Prior to his UFC career, he competed successfully in Chinese martial arts competitions, winning gold medals in Sanda and placing in national Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions. His current ranking as the #5 bantamweight (as of January 2026) places him in title contention.
10. What is next for Song Yadong’s career and UFC future?
As of January 2026, Song Yadong is scheduled to face former UFC Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley on January 24, 2026, at UFC 324 in Las Vegas. This fight represents a major opportunity to establish himself as a legitimate title contender. With his current #5 ranking and impressive recent victories, a win over O’Malley could position him for a title shot against current champion Merab Dvalishvili. Song continues to train at Team Alpha Male under Urijah Faber’s guidance while pursuing his dream of becoming a UFC champion.