UFC Macau Preview: Song Yadong Faces Deiveson Figueiredo On Home Soil

After a two-week layoff, the UFC makes its return and travels to China for a bantamweight battle between two contenders, Song Yadong (22-9-1, 1NC) and Deiveson Figueiredo (25-6-1).

It has not been too long since the UFC last hosted a fight night at the Galaxy Arena, which came back in November 2024 when Petr Yan scored a unanimous decision victory over Figueiredo.

Song Yadong Looking To Rebound On Home Soil

The ‘Kung Fu Kid’ last competed at UFC 324 where he failed to secure back-to-back victories in a close contest with former UFC Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley, losing by unanimous decision.

Activity is finally beginning to build up for the orthodox MMA fighter, with fans having waited nearly 11 months between each of his last two appearances.

The 28-year-old is looking to maintain his place in the 135-pound rankings as he currently sits at number five, hoping to become the first male Chinese mixed martial artist to challenge for a UFC title.

A statement finish could push Yadong back into the title conversation as he searches for redemption, especially when the Team Alpha Male athlete has not recorded a stoppage victory since April 2023.

Deiveson Figueiredo Chasing Another Title Run

Just like his opponent, the Brazilian also lost at UFC 324 after going the distance with Umar Nurmagomedov, dropping one place in the bantamweight rankings since that fight.

Luck has not been on Figueiredo’s side as of late, losing three of his last four contests, with two of those defeats coming in fight night headliners against Petr Yan and Cory Sandhagen.

The former UFC Flyweight Champion will be desperate for a win to maintain his positive record in the bantamweight division after first moving up a weight class in December 2023.

‘Deus da Guerra’ is still dreaming of becoming a two-division UFC Champion, which is why triumphing in Yadong’s backyard would put him one step closer to earning that opportunity.

Zhang Mingyang Returns In Co-Main Event

Another Chinese representative competes on home soil in the co-main event as Zhang Mingyang (19-7) takes on number 15 light heavyweight contender Alonzo Menifield (17-6-1).

The last UFC China event saw Mingyang lose in the headliner via second-round TKO to Johnny Walker as he aims to bounce back, while Menifield looks to recover from his first-round knockout loss at UFC Qatar.

Sergei Pavlovich Faces Tallison Teixeira and Featured Main Card Bouts At UFC Macau

A heavyweight clash takes place in Macau between two knockout artists as Sergei Pavlovich (20-3) defends his number three ranking against number 15 contender Tallison Teixeira (9-1).

Kai Asakura (21-6) is still searching for his first UFC victory as he faces Cameron Smotherman (12-6) in a bantamweight contest.

There is also a crucial welterweight clash between Jake Matthews (22-8) and Carlston Harris (19-7), with the winner returning to the win column.

Plus, a flyweight showdown takes place in the Octagon as Sumudaerji (19-7) attempts to re-enter the 125-pound rankings against number 11 contender Alex Perez (26-10).

UFC Macau Start Time For UK Fans

For UK fans watching UFC Macau at home, the event will air much earlier than usual, with the prelims starting at 9am and the main card beginning at 12pm.