Petr Yan made a statement that he wants the UFC bantamweight championship back, making his case with a dominant decision win over Deiveson Figueiredo in the main event of UFC Macau.
Figueiredo appeared to be on path to a strong start when he scored a takedown in the fight’s opening minute. Yan, however, survived his opponent’s thoughts of a potential early submission to control the action on the ground and get into top position. The Russian then returned the fight to the feet and outstruck the former flyweight champion from there.
“Deus Da Guerra” managed to land some very strong shots in the second round, but Yan continued to keep busy with effective activity as the two had a close, competitive striking clinic in that five-minute span. “No Mercy,” however, took complete control of the fight in the third round, seemingly landing at will with brutal strikes and even dropping Figueiredo at one point.
Yan continued to land at will and pressure, doing damage, but Figueiredo brought a scare when he appeared to damage Yan with a body shot in the closing seconds of the round. The Brazilian tried to pursue the ex-bantamweight kingpin and go after a late finish that he needed, but the time in the round expired.
Petr Yan Dominantes Deiveson Figueiredo In Striking Battle That Topped UFC Macau
Petr Yan is so… so fucking good. Despite his losses, dude is an absolute weapon. #UFCMacau
— MacMally
(@MacMallyMMA) November 23, 2024
(@MacMallyMMA)
Aljo watching Petr Yan look the best he's ever been pic.twitter.com/xGZ0IIMrhn
— UFCStats
(@TheUFCStats)
Yan has now won back-to-back fights, having previously defeated Song Yadong at UFC 299 earlier this year. Prior to 2024, the Russian had been on a three-fight losing skid that began with him losing a rematch against Aljamain Sterling. The run also included a controversial decision loss against Sean O’Malley and a lopsided defeat to current bantamweight champ Merab Dvalishvili.
Meanwhile, Saturday marked Figueiredo’s first loss since moving up to bantamweight. He had been 3-0 at 135 pounds after losing the UFC flyweight title for the second time. Figueiredo defeated Rob Font, Cody Garbrandt, and Marlon “Chito” Vera prior to the Macau event.