Umar Nurmagomedov warns of 'bad news' for Song Yadong at UFC Shanghai

Umar Nurmagomedov hopes Song Yadong isn't taking him lightly.

Former title challenger Nurmagomedov (20-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC) takes on Song (23-9-1 MMA, 12-4-1 UFC) in Saturday's UFC Fight Night 286 main event (Paramount+) from Shanghai Oriental Sports Center in China.

Song called Nurmagomedov an easy fight, something he later admitted to MMA Junkie was a phrase used to build up the fight. Regardless, Nurmagomedov said he's no easy fight – for anyone.

"It's going to be bad news for him in cage if he thinks it's going to be an easy fight," Nurmagomedov told MMA Junkie of Song. "I'm not an easy fight for nobody. Never."

Nurmagomedov also had fighting words for Song when he previously called him a "punching bag." He clarified that his words were lost in translation, and that he meant he was disappointed with Song for losing to O'Malley.

"I don't say punching bag. It's how they translated," Nurmagomedov said. "I meant he fought with Sean O'Malley, and he had to beat him. I was rooting for him, and I was a little mad he lost because I thought if he lost, he's not going to fight for the title. He's going to leave the line of who will fight for the title. He's a good fighter, he's a tough guy, he has a lot of experience. Long time he's been in the UFC. Even his debut was earlier than mine by three years. He's a tough guy."

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Umar Nurmagomedov warns of 'bad news' for Song Yadong at UFC Shanghai