UFC Fight Night 223 headliner Song Yadong unfazed by Ricky Simon's game: 'In every skill, he's very average'

LAS VEGAS – Song Yadong recognizes Ricky Simon is a tough fighter, but the skills don’t have him worried.

At UFC Fight Night 223 on Saturday, Yadong (19-7-1 MMA, 8-2-1 UFC) and Simon (20-3 MMA, 8-2 UFC) collide in a five-round main event at the UFC Apex. The bout originally was scheduled for a three-round co-main event April 22.

“He’s a very tough guy, a strong wrestler,” Yadong told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a pre-fight news conference Wednesday. “His striking is getting better over the years. But, in every skill, he’s very average. I think my striking is better than him and my ground game is also better than him. If he wants to wrestle, let’s wrestle. If he wants jiu-jitsu, let’s do jiu-jitsu.”

Yadong, 25, has not competed since a September loss to Cory Sandhagen by TKO due to a facial laceration. Despite the setback, Yadong has learned a lot and thinks the stakes still remain high as he enters his second UFC main event.

“(I learned) don’t get caught early into the first round,” Yadong said. “I should do more elbows, too. I’ve been practicing elbow skills. … If I beat (Simon), I’ll fight next top-five guys.”

Simon, 30, is on the most successful stretch he’s had in the UFC, having won his most recent five fights. UFC Fight Night 223 will be his first main event and five-round fight under the promotion’s banner.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 223.