Song Yadong delivered one of the biggest wins of his career on Saturday night, submitting former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo in the main event of UFC Macau. Fighting in China for the first time in eight years, Song rose to the occasion and secured a statement victory that could move him one step closer to the top of the UFC bantamweight division.
The 28 year old entered the contest looking to bounce back from his recent loss to Sean O’Malley. He did exactly that, finishing a respected former champion and reminding the division that he remains a serious contender at 135 pounds.
Slow Start Gives Way to Momentum Shift
The opening round was a cautious affair as both fighters looked to establish their rhythm. Song controlled the center of the Octagon and applied forward pressure, but neither man committed heavily to exchanges.
Figueiredo found success with a few aggressive bursts and ended the round in a dominant position on the ground. His ability to mix striking and grappling appeared to give him the edge heading into the second frame.
That momentum, however, would not last.
Song Yadong Takes Control in Round Two
The fight changed dramatically in the second round as Song increased his output and began finding his range. The Chinese star landed several clean punches and mixed in a timely takedown of his own.
As Figueiredo attempted to work his way back to his feet, Song connected with powerful strikes that visibly shifted the momentum. He followed up with a head kick that further established his control of the contest.
With less than 20 seconds remaining in the round, Figueiredo shot in for a takedown. Instead of defending and disengaging, Song capitalized on the opportunity.
The bantamweight contender quickly wrapped up a guillotine choke during the transition and locked it in tightly. Figueiredo attempted to fight the grip but was unable to escape. The Brazilian tapped with just 18 seconds left in the round, giving Song a memorable submission victory in front of his home crowd.
A Career Defining Moment on Chinese Soil
The victory carried added significance for Song Yadong , who had not competed in China since the early stages of his UFC career. Returning home in a main event setting and delivering a finish against a former champion made the moment even more meaningful.
The win also allowed Song to rebound strongly after his setback against O’Malley and maintain his place among the elite contenders in one of the UFC’s deepest divisions.
For a fighter who has spent years climbing the rankings, UFC Macau may ultimately be remembered as the night he elevated himself into the title conversation.
Song Sends a Clear Message to the Division
Following the fight, Song declined to target a specific opponent. Instead, he made it clear that he is ready for whatever challenge the UFC wants to present next.
I don’t give a f***,” Song said when asked who he wanted to fight next.
I’ll take whatever the UFC gives me. Let’s go!
The response reflected the confidence of a fighter who believes he belongs among the division’s best. Whether the UFC matches him with another top contender or positions him for an even bigger opportunity remains to be seen.
Questions Remain for Figueiredo
For Figueiredo, the defeat marks another difficult chapter in his bantamweight run. The former two time flyweight champion moved up in weight seeking a second title opportunity, but consistency has proven elusive.
Since joining the bantamweight division, Figueiredo has produced impressive performances while also suffering several setbacks against top competition. At 38 years old, his path back into title contention appears increasingly complicated.
Despite the loss, Figueiredo remains one of the most respected veterans on the UFC roster and still possesses the skill set to challenge many fighters in the rankings.
What Comes Next?
Song’s victory could not have come at a better time. The bantamweight division is loaded with elite talent, including champion Merab Dvalishvili and contenders such as Umar Nurmagomedov, Petr Yan, Cory Sandhagen, and Sean O’Malley.
While there is still work to do before reaching a title shot, Song strengthened his position significantly with Saturday’s performance.
A dominant finish over a former champion, achieved in front of a passionate home crowd, represents exactly the type of result that can change a fighter’s trajectory.
For Song Yadong, UFC Macau was more than just another main event victory. It was a reminder that one of China’s biggest MMA stars remains firmly in the hunt for UFC gold.
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