Petr Yan and Deiveson Figueiredo are set to clash in an exciting matchup for the UFC bantamweight championship this Saturday in Macau, China. Both former champions are determined to showcase their skills and bring thrilling action to the Octagon.
Yan, with a record of 17-5, is looking to revive his career after some setbacks. Initially starting strong, he won his first seven fights in the UFC, earning him the bantamweight title. Unfortunately, his reign was marred by a disqualification loss to Aljamain Sterling. Following a short-lived interim championship win over Cory Sandhagen, Yan experienced defeats against Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili. However, he regained some momentum with a victory over Song Yadong earlier this year. Yan remains confident in his abilities, stating, “I believe I can beat all these guys in our division.”
As the No. 3 ranked bantamweight, Yan knows that defeating Figueiredo is crucial for maintaining his position and setting the stage for a potential title shot against champion Dvalishvili, who previously indicated that Figueiredo deserved a title shot. “If I beat Figueiredo, we’ll see what Merab has to say after that,” Yan remarked.
Figueiredo, holding a 24-3-1 record, is entering this bout full of confidence after making an effective move up to bantamweight, going 3-0 in the new division. Despite Yan’s assertion that Figueiredo has faced easier competition at 135 pounds, Figueiredo is eager for the challenge. “I see a lot of self-confidence, but I can’t wait for the opportunity to thank Yan for the welcome he’s giving me,” he stated, firmly believing in his preparation for the fight.
The fight card for Saturday includes various matchups across different weight classes, promising an event filled with skilled athletes eager to make their mark.
As the anticipation builds, experts are predicting a closely contested bout, with Yan considered the favorite. While both fighters have their strengths, Yan’s striking prowess and experience in five-round fights could play a pivotal role, leading analysts to lean towards a unanimous decision victory for him.
This upcoming fight stands as a testament to both fighters’ resilience and dedication, providing fans with an exciting opportunity to witness elite-level competition in the UFC. Regardless of the outcome, this matchup is set to highlight the incredible talent within the bantamweight division and could pave the way for new title opportunities for the victor.
Overall, fans can expect an electrifying showdown in the Galaxy Arena, showcasing the determination and skill of both fighters and adding another chapter to their storied careers.