The Galaxy Arena in Macau will burst with action on May 30, 2026. UFC returns to China after two years of silence with UFC Fight Night 277: a bout between Song Yadong (#7) and Deiveson Figueiredo (#9). For Song, it’s a way to return to the bantamweight title queue after the loss to O’Malley. Figueiredo, the former two-time Flyweight champion, still aims to prove he’s worthy of the championship belt chase in a new division.
In this post, we’ll try to analyse the upcoming clash between Song and Figueiredo, considering their key stats and fighting style.
Current Bantamweight Division Ranking – Top 10 Fighters
At present, the top 10 players in the Bantamweight division, according to the FightMatrix ranking system, look as follows:
| Position | Player | Record | Significant Strikes Landed per Minute (SLpM) | Striking accuracy |
| #1 | Petr Yan | 20-5-0 | 5.16 | 55% |
| #2 | Merab Dvalishvili | 21-5-0 | 4.42 | 41% |
| #3 | Sean O’Malley | 19-3-0 | 6.05 | 60% |
| #4 | Umar Nurmagomedov | 20-1-0 | 3.86 | 56% |
| #5 | Cory Sandhagen | 18-6-0 | 4.86 | 45% |
| #6 | Mario Bautista | 17-3-0 | 5.30 | 48% |
| #7 | Yadong Song | 22-9–1 | 4.42 | 43% |
| #8 | Aiemann Zahabi | 14-2-0 | 4.54 | 47% |
| #9 | Deiveson Figueiredo | 25-6-1 | 2.63 | 53% |
| #10 | Payton Talbott | 11-1-0 | 6.62 | 56% |
In December 2025, Petr Yan returned the belt in a grudge match against Dvalishvili that earned him a second reign. Sean O’Malley is breathing down their neck after defeating “Kung Fu Kid” Yadong. Umar Nurmagomedov moved to the #4 spot, winning “Deus da Guerra” (Figueiredo).
Dvalishvili and O’Malley are two contenders to dethrone Yan. But the crossroads fight of the Main Event in Macau is a decisive moment for both athletes coming off losses. 30 May decides who’ll get closer to competing for the title and who leaves the Top 10 as an underdog.
Song vs Figueiredo: Pre-Fight Stats Comparison
The Song Yadong (The Kung Fu King) and Deiveson Figueiredo (Deus da Guerra) are sitting next to each other in anthropometry. But due to the tight nature of the Bantamweight, even the thinnest margin can bring a higher spot in the ranking.
Key parameters of the fighters:
| Parameter | Song | Figueiredo |
| Age | 28 | 38 |
| Height | 5′ 8″ | 5′ 5″ |
| Reach | 67″ | 68″ |
| Takedown (average) | 0.78 | 1.61 |
| Striking accuracy | 43% | 53% |
Now, let’s dive into more specific details on the contenders’ stats.
Reach Discrepancy
Song and Figueiredo actually have 1 inch of difference in reach discrepancy: 67” against 68”. This is what gives an advantage to Deus da Guerra, letting him stay further from Song’s jab. At the same time, the Chinese fighter is 3” shorter, which makes his strikes more compact. Gripping poses the main danger for Figueiredo, as he is unable to use the punching mechanics in full force.
Pace and Volume
It’s crucial to keep the high output in the Bantamweight division. With 2.63 SLpM, Figueiredo delivers an edge to the 28-year-old opponent, giving around 4.42 strikes per minute. Song throws punches one by one, allowing fans to enjoy the action, where the athlete gets straight to business. This is what casino enthusiasts want when using their free spins no deposit no ID verification deals – strikes in every round to enjoy constant payouts.
Figueiredo’s volume mirrors the nature of high-variance slots if we speak the iGaming language. He saves energy to find the perfect moment and end the fight with one precise strike.
Takedown Defense
Song is good at fighting off the takedown attempts, with around 73% accuracy. His level of defence in the upcoming match is the life insurance. The Brazilian lags with around 57% of efficiency, but poses a danger with 1.2% Submission Average. Yadong should be aware of getting near the ground.
Striker vs. Grappler Matchup: Styles Comparison
Both athletes have different styles, making the upcoming event in Macau a clash of striking power from the Kung Fu Kid, as well as the grappling danger the Deus da Guerra poses.
Song Yadong – The Pressure of Team Alpha Male
His unanimous decision loss to Sean O’Malley in January 2026 showed the drawbacks of Yadong’s performance against opponents with larger muscle mass and height. The background in Sanda and Muay Thai gave him traits he stands out: explosive movements, powerful footwork, and exceptional strike speed.
Song is now in his athletic prime. Combining it with the trademark explosive power, pressure, and adaptability to opponents’ styles, the Chinese fighter has all the chances to jump higher in rankings.
Deiveson Figueiredo – The Grappling Trap of God of War
The last bout against Umar Nurmagomedov ended with a loss and raised a question: whether Figueiredo can still compete against the top performers in the Bantamweight division at the age of 38? Deiveson is a player of timing. His BJJ Black Belt formed the current style he uses in his UFC career: grappling, powerful submissions, and ground fighting.
The Brazilian has to stick to the usual tactics of taking it to the ground, but also try changing levels or angles to win Song and get closer to establishing himself as a double champion.
Odds and Predictions
The battle of age and experience will occur in just a few weeks. Bookmaker odds are unavailable yet, but the forum circles give a slight edge to Song due to his age.
Whether the home advantage helps Song to strengthen his position as a rising star, or does Figueiredo’s veteran power show his grappling trap? The Galaxy Arena will show it on May 30.