UFC Shanghai Predictions, Odds & Full Fight Card Picks
MMA
- Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Song Yadong headlines UFC Shanghai.
- Former strawweight title challenger Yan Xiaonan faces Denise Gomes.
- Kai Asakura will appear in Shanghai against Qileng Aori
It’s UFC Shanghai on the menu, with several high-stakes matchups on the main card. We are here to deliver some top-notch UFC picks, with props and plenty of other valuable information.
How to Watch
- When: Saturday, August 29, 2026, 6:00 AM ET
- Where: Shanghai Indoor Stadium, Shanghai, China
- How to Watch: Paramount+, UFC Fight Pass
UFC Shanghai Main Card Preview
Main Event: Umar Nurmagomedov (20-1) vs. Song Yadong (23-9-1)
- Pick: Nurmagomedov via decision
- Why: Song Yadong is lethal in short-range boxing exchanges and carries massive knockout power, due to his athleticism. However, Nurmagomedov’s relentless grappling, combined with elite distance control and kicking techniques, will be the difference-maker here. Expect Umar to repeatedly take down Yadong and secure a win here through disciplined and tactical approach. Just as any of the Nurmagomedov team fighters.
Co-Main Event: Yan Xiaonan (19-5) vs. Denise Gomes (12-3)
- Pick: Xiaonan via decision
- Why: Xiaonan’s fighting style isn’t favorable for Gomes. The home crowd favorite is a fantastic counter-striker, and implements a lot of side-kicking, whereas Gomes likes to open and push for an open brawl. What we want to say here is that Xiaonan has all the tools to dismantle a highly aggressive rival. The Chinese should stick and move, out-landing Gomes on total strikes over three rounds.
Qileng Aori (26-13) vs. Kai Asakura (22-6)
- Pick: Asakura via KO
- Why: Asakura brings world-class blitzing speed and elite striking inside the pocket. While Qileng is notoriously tough and loves a dogfight, he takes far too much damage in wild exchanges. And we are sure that he plans to attack the rival in front of own crowd early on. That’s why Asakura’s precision timing should catch Qileng coming in during a heavy collision.
Alex Perez (26-10) vs. Su Mudaerji (19-7)
- Pick: Perez via Submission
- Why: Su Mudaerji holds a notable reach advantage and sharp long-range kicks. However, Perez is excellent at closing distance under fire and enforcing top control. And let’s face it, despite being an underdog, Perez has more experience here and he fought against much, much better rivals in the past. Expect Perez to land constant takedowns and secure a submission once the fight hits the mat.
Liu Ce (3-1) vs. Levi Rodrigues (5-1)
- Pick: Liu via KO
- Why: This light heavyweight clash features pure striking fireworks. While Rodrigues brings a heavy-handed fist fight, Liu Ce is a much more versatile and technically endowed fighter. The Chinese can set up combinations that include both leg and hand kicks, and also knows how to slow down the rivals by chopping their legs. He will use that to set up a position for an eventual finish.
Bilal Hasan (9-0) vs. Nilson Rojas (9-0)
- Pick: Hasan by KO
- Why: Hasan is excellent, and this guy just might be the next best thing in the flyweight division. He is powerful, fast, and energetic and full of confidence. Less than three weeks ago he KOd Mirdul Saikia after 45 seconds in the Contender Series.
Prop Pick of the Night
- Asakura KO/TKO inside Round 2
- Why: Asakura thrives when opponents push the pace into his counter-punches. And that’s what we expect to see here. After Round 1 in which Quileng pushes hard and Asakura rebuffs that, the Chinese will try to accelerate, which will lead to a scenario we’ve seen so many times in the past – Asakura’s countering and closing the matchup.
