Usman Nurmagomedov releases statement responding to post-fight collision with Song Yadong

Usman Nurmagomedov addressed the post-fight collision with Song Yadong via social media, firmly rejecting speculation that he attempted to strike his brother's opponent following UFC Shanghai. After Song's spectacular knockout victory over Umar Nurmagomedov, Usman rushed into the cage to check on his brother and briefly collided with the celebrating fighter.

The PFL lightweight champion dismissed claims that he threw an elbow during the contact, stating on Instagram: "And regarding the claims that I supposedly wanted to hit his opponent, if I had wanted to, I would have hit him." Usman emphasized that his sole motivation was concern for his brother's wellbeing, calling critics "petty and jealous" for misinterpreting family loyalty.

"People are making such a huge tragedy out of this," Nurmagomedov wrote in a translated statement. "Your problem is that you have never had, and never will have, an understanding of family love."

Song, for his part, showed no adverse reaction to the incident and later approached Khabib's corner to pay his respects after securing the biggest win of his career. Umar, who suffered only the second loss of his career in the main event, subsequently confirmed he was doing fine after the knockout.