Song Yadong targets title shot in Macau return against Deiveson Figueiredo

Chinese bantamweight Song Yadong is set to headline UFC Macau on Saturday, returning to the Galaxy Arena for the first time in front of a home audience since 2018. The 28-year-old fighter, currently ranked among the top contenders in the 135-pound division, faces former two-time flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo in a bout that carries significant implications for the bantamweight title picture.

Yadong enters the contest as the heavy betting favourite, aiming to translate his recent competitive performances into a decisive victory that could propel him into championship contention. Following a string of narrow defeats against elite opponents, including Cory Sandhagen, Petr Yan, and Sean O’Malley, Yadong maintains that he is merely one or two fights away from a title shot. He attributes his recent losses to marginal scoring differences rather than a lack of capability, asserting that he has learned valuable lessons from each encounter.

The stakes are equally high for Figueiredo, who is looking to arrest a recent decline in form. The 38-year-old Brazilian has lost three of his last four fights, suffering defeats to Yan, Sandhagen, and Umar Nurmagomedov. Figueiredo has previously cited travel issues, injuries, and a weight miss of nearly three pounds in January 2024 as contributing factors to his slump, making this bout a critical opportunity to regain momentum.

A shared history adds a layer of familiarity to the matchup, as both fighters previously trained together at Team Alpha Male in Sacramento under Hall of Fame coach Urijah Faber. Yadong, who moved to the gym early in his UFC career, expressed confidence in his physical advantages, claiming he is stronger and faster than his opponent. He anticipates a strategic battle, expecting Figueiredo to attempt takedowns while he looks to utilise his striking and takedown defence to secure a win by either knockout or submission.

Yadong’s resume includes notable victories over high-profile opponents such as Marlon Vera, Marlon Moraes, Ricky Simon, Chris Gutierrez, and Henry Cejudo. Despite his confidence, he remains focused on the immediate challenge, emphasising the emotional significance of performing for his supporters in China. The bout is part of the UFC Fight Night card, which will be broadcast via Paramount+.