UFC Vegas 83: Song Yadong defeats Chris Gutierrez by unanimous decision

Song Yadong won his second straight major event to cap up his 2023 campaign on Saturday, outworking Chris Gutierrez in a unanimous decision victory.

This is an unusual step back for Yadong, who has won four of his past five fights, only losing a tough encounter with premier contender Cory Sandhagen during that time. “The Kungfu Monkey” is still only 25, but he’s really reaching his stride lately, displaying increased composure and strategy to balance his savage power. Yadong’s fighting style has improved significantly during the previous several battles. He’s no longer head-hunting, preferring to pressure and tear down opponents with body work and calf kicks.

Whether Yadong stays grounded or opts for more fencing-like footwork, the 26-year-old does a good job of remaining balanced and seeking for explosive moments.

Meanwhile, Gutierrez has been winning significantly more frequently than not. Although his loss to Pedro Munhoz halted his ascent, Gutierrez has earned his position in the Top 15, and he has a major opportunity currently.

On the feet, the first few rounds were a cat-and-mouse game, with Song aiming to land huge power blows but unable to keep up with Gutierrez, who utilised good mobility and a variety of kicks to different ranges to keep the Chinese fighter at away. Song drove the battle to the canvas very early in the fourth round and maintained it there for the duration, chipping away at top position.

Gutierrez inexplicably looked for an Imanari roll early in the fifth, allowing Song to dive into his guard and continue sinking short, forceful shots. While he didn’t achieve the finish he expected, Song did well to show off some various facets of his game and win for the second time in a row. He turned 26 at the beginning of the month and is now 10-2-1 inside the Octagon, confirming his position as a Top 10 fighter in one of the sport’s deepest divisions while perhaps paving the way for a fight with a more established name next time around.

Yadong dominated Gutierrez with two 50-45s and a 50-44 for five rounds of excellent punching and grappling. It was his second straight victory following a loss against Cory Sandhagen.

Following that, Yadong called out his previously planned UFC Vegas 83 opponent, Petr Yan, who was unimpressed with the five-round tactical show. See what other fighters had to say about Yadong vs. Gutierrez and the rest of the main event at UFC Vegas 83.