Song Yadong delivered one of the most significant victories of his UFC career when he defeated former champion Deiveson Figueiredo in the main event of UFC Macau. Fighting in front of an enthusiastic home crowd, the Chinese contender lived up to expectations and secured a second round submission victory, marking his first submission finish inside the Octagon since his promotional debut in 2017.
Entering the contest as one of the favourites on the card, Song showcased both patience and skill against a veteran known for his toughness and championship experience. The victory allowed the 28 year old to successfully defend his position as the No. 5 ranked bantamweight and further strengthened his case as a serious contender in the division.
Following the event, Song shared an emotional message with supporters through social media. He expressed his appreciation to his coaches, teammates, and friends, crediting them for helping him achieve such an important result. Winning in front of fans in China clearly made the moment even more memorable for the rising star.
Now attention turns to what could be next for Song. Despite still being only 28, he has already spent close to a decade competing in the UFC and has faced many elite names in the weight class. However, several intriguing opportunities remain available.
The championship picture is currently crowded. Bantamweight titleholder Petr Yan is recovering from back surgery, while former champion Merab Dvalishvili is expected to meet him in a trilogy contest later this year. In addition, the winner of the upcoming bout between Sean O’Malley and Aiemann Zahabi is widely expected to move into title contention.
With those matchups likely determining the next challenger, a clash between Song and No. 2 ranked Umar Nurmagomedov appears to be an attractive option. The pair have never shared the cage, and both recently earned victories over Figueiredo. Such a matchup would carry major implications for the title race.
Other possible opponents include Zahabi, Mario Bautista, and David Martinez. Yet considering Song’s ranking and the quality of his latest performance, a meeting with another top contender seems more likely.
Defeating Figueiredo by submission is no small achievement. Even at 38 years old, the former flyweight champion remains one of the most durable competitors in the sport. Song’s ability to finish such an experienced opponent has undoubtedly elevated his standing and positioned him for another high profile challenge in the near future.
