UFC Shanghai predictions

Key Points:

• Umar Nurmagomedov faces Song Yadong in a key bantamweight contender bout at UFC Shanghai, needing a decisive win to reclaim the No. 1 contender spot after a recent title fight loss. Nurmagomedov is favored to win by knockout through his superior wrestling and versatile striking.
• In the strawweight co-main event, Denise Gomes, tied for the longest UFC strawweight win streak, challenges veteran Yan Xiaonan. Gomes is expected to leverage her youth and power to upset Yan and advance her title shot prospects.
• Other notable fights include Kai Asakura predicted to outstrike Aoriqileng, Alex Perez and Sumudaerji rematching after a no-contest, and K-1 kickboxing champion Liu Ce making his UFC debut against Levi Rodrigues Jr., with Liu favored for a knockout.
• Rising prospect Bilal Hasan, known for his dynamic striking and undefeated record, is expected to defeat Nilson Rojas in a stylistically intriguing matchup between two promising fighters.
• UFC Shanghai takes place on August 29 at the Oriental Sports Center in Shanghai, China, with preliminaries starting at 3 a.m. ET and the main card at 6 a.m. ET, streaming live on Paramount+.