After a string of disappointing performances in 2022 and 2023, former bantamweight champion Petr Yan seems to have flipped the switch with a vital triumph last time out. With the UFC heading to Southeast Asia this weekend for UFC Macau, the Russian star is set to feature in the event against former 125-pound champ, Deiveson Figueiredo. So, fans, get ready for this bout because, to put it mildly, it is guaranteed to be a total nail-biter.

Known for their unmatched skills and intensity, Petr Yan and Deiveson Figueiredo are two of the best to grace the Octagon and compete under the bright lights of the UFC. Having been at the top of the mountain in the past, both former champions are trying to shape another route toward title contention, as we analyze the upcoming matchup. So, without further ado, let’s get into it!

UFC Macau: Petr Yan vs Deiveson Figueiredo stats

Deiveson Figueiredo may be a relative newcomer in the bantamweight division but seems to have an edge from the statistical standpoint, with more accolades than Petr Yan. ‘Deus Da Guerra’, in his 28-fight MMA career, has an astonishing 24-3-1 record that includes 18 finishes (9 knockouts and 9 submission wins). Also, the Brazilian captured UFC flyweight gold on two separate occasions, joining a group of few other fighters, and becoming one of the most elite 125-ers ever.

Petr Yan may not have that many finishes and title wins, but he’s undoubtedly well-accomplished in his own right. ‘No Mercy’ has competed in a total of 22 professional MMA bouts, a few less than Deiveson Figueiredo, with an impressive 17-5 record, with 7 knockouts to the Russian veteran. Although he won the undisputed bantamweight belt just once, he has another championship win, the interim title win, on his resume.

It promises to be a great fight, given Petr Yan and Deiveson Figureido’s standing in the promotion; two of the absolute best. But who gets past the finishing line this weekend at UFC Macau? Well, let’s analyze their fighting and arrive at a final prediction.

Yan vs. Figueiredo breakdown and prediction

What Petr Yan’s good at is his striking, or his boxing, to be more exact, packing a lot of power in every blow he lands. Close-range uppercuts and delivering deadly combinations on the body are two of ‘No Mercy’s biggest weapons during a fight. But boxing isn’t it because the former bantamweight champion also gained fame for his ability to deliver some absolutely heavy kicks with precise timing. All in all, it’s a totally striking game when it comes to Yan, who also incorporated Muay Thai into his fighting style.

When we come to Deiveson Figueiredo, the Brazilian legend is an absolute baller because he’s got expertise in both aspects of the fight game, striking and grappling. Being a black belt in jiu-jitsu, ‘Deus Da Guerra’ has a 58 percent success rate in takedown defense, to go along with his 55 percent success rate in terms of striking accuracy, which has made him a credible 135-pound threat despite having just three fights under his belt.

By the looks of it, Figueiredo’s recent run of form has been way better than Petr Yan’s, racking up a 3-fight winning streak since losing the flyweight belt to Brandon Moreno. Hence, he’s in the driving seat to seal the fight this weekend with a win.

According to the oddsmakers, Petr Yan seems to be the pick as a -360 favorite while Deiveson Figueiredo has been listed as a +300 underdog. It’s understandable that the Russian veteran’s got the upper hand since he was a former bantamweight champion. But let us know your pick to win the main event of UFC Macau.