Despite the fight being competitive throughout, former bantamweight champion Petr Yan still effectively dismantled his former flyweight counterpart Deiveson Figueiredo over five rounds to finish off a strong UFC Macau card.
All three judges having 50-45 scorecards makes the bout seem wider than it was, as Figgy hurt Yan and had his moments throughout. Yet ‘Deus da Guerra’ could not keep up with the methodical pressure striking of the Russian, nor take him down.
Now the question of what to do next for these two elite fighters comes into play. Petr Yan in particular has a lot of history with his fellow bantamweights, as his only UFC losses are to the last three bantamweight champions. Champ Merab Dvalishvili and #1 contender Sean O’Malley both remain active at bantamweight currently.
Petr called for a title shot after this, his second straight win over a highly ranked opponent, but the way he beat Deiveson is nothing compared to the way ‘the Machine’ beat Yan last time, with Merab living up to his name in one of the most impressive cardiovascular performances of all time.
If almost anyone else was champion then Petr would have an argument for getting the fight over Umar Nurmagomedov, but his two impressive wins are not enough to earn a rematch for such a lopsided fight.
What is more likely is that Yan will rematch O’Malley, the young star who won a controversial split decision over the Russian to earn his own title shot against Aljamain Sterling. That fight was one of the best three round affairs of the last few years, so fans would be delighted to see it.
Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili has, however, called for Yan himself. The Georgian’s insistence that Umar Nurmagomedov, the undefeated cousin of Khabib who just defeated Cory Sandhagen confidently, does not deserve the next title shot has some questioning the champions motivations.
Does seeking rematches with Yan and O’Malley constitute ‘ducking’ or is Dvalishvili simply playing the role of a self-promoter? Either way, Figueiredo’s loss effectively defeats any notion that Merab will fight someone other than Umar.
Another great striking battle, O’Malley vs Sandhagen, is the fight that fans have been calling for most, one which everyone has wanted to see for years now. Though that has now changes, as Yan replacing Sandhagen in that matchup just does more for most fans who are desperate to see a clear winner crowned after the controversial first battle.
Sandhagen vs Figueiredo would be an option for the loser of the Macau main event, in fact. Regardless, no matter what matchups are made the bantamweight division’s position as the best in the sport will remain in safe hands with fighters like each of the ones mentioned above continuing to put on incredible fights against each other.
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