In a high-stakes bantamweight bout headlining UFC Fight Night in Macau, former champion Petr Yan delivered a commanding performance against former flyweight titleholder Deiveson Figueiredo. Yan, ranked third in the division, secured a unanimous decision victory with all judges scoring the fight 50-45 in his favor.
A Masterclass in Striking and Control
The fight opened with Petr Yan taking control of the center, applying steady pressure. Despite Figueiredo’s early takedown and back control, Yan’s relentless pace and ability to reverse positions set the tone. He landed sharp elbows and punches from the top, closing the round with a powerful knee. The second round saw Yan mix leg kicks and combinations while defending Figueiredo’s takedown attempts.
As the fight progressed, Yan’s striking clinic intensified. In the third round, an uppercut knocked Figueiredo down, marking a pivotal moment. Though Figueiredo showed resilience, Yan’s precise combinations and uppercuts began to pile on damage. Figueiredo’s corner urged more aggression, but Yan’s defense and counters proved too sharp.
The final rounds highlighted Yan’s dominance. A spinning back elbow and relentless combinations kept Figueiredo on the back foot, despite his attempts to rally with body shots and a knockdown in the fourth. Ultimately, Yan’s superior striking, control, and ability to dictate the fight earned him a decisive victory.
What’s Next for Petr Yan and Figueiredo?
With this win, Petr Yan builds momentum after a string of losses to the division’s elite, reaffirming his position as a top contender. Figueiredo, meanwhile, faces a recalibration in the bantamweight division after his three-fight winning streak came to an end.
The bout showcased Yan’s technical mastery and resilience, marking a potential turning point in his quest to reclaim the bantamweight title. For Figueiredo, the challenge of adapting to a new weight class continues, as he seeks to solidify his place among the bantamweight elite.
