Ali Akbar Rosady
Macau, China – Following a decisive second-round submission victory at UFC Macau, Chinese bantamweight contender Song Yadong has unequivocally called for a rematch against the reigning UFC Bantamweight Champion, Petr Yan. Song’s triumph over two-time flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo in Saturday’s main event at the Galaxy Arena marked a significant return to the win column for the "Kung Fu Monkey," propelling him back into the conversation at the pinnacle of the 135-pound division.
The victory, secured via a guillotine choke at 1:18 of the second round, electrified the home country crowd and underscored Song’s evolving skillset. Prior to the bout, Song had experienced a period of mixed results against top-tier bantamweight contenders, making the dominant finish against a formidable opponent like Figueiredo crucial for his career trajectory. Immediately after the contest, Song articulated his ambitions in a Paramount+ post-fight interview, stating, "I’d like to fight a rematch with Petr Yan."
The history between Song Yadong, 28, and Petr Yan, 31, dates back to UFC 299 in March 2024. At that juncture, Song was riding a formidable 5-1 run within the UFC bantamweight division, a streak that had positioned him on the cusp of a potential title eliminator bout. His impressive victories during this period included unanimous decision wins over Marlon Moraes and Ricky Simón, and a knockout over Julio Arce, showcasing his potent striking and calculated aggression. The sole loss in that stretch came against Cory Sandhagen in September 2022, a fight where Song sustained a doctor’s stoppage dueor to a severe cut.
Conversely, Petr Yan entered their initial encounter embroiled in an uncharacteristic three-fight losing streak. This challenging period had seen the former undisputed Bantamweight Champion drop contentious decisions to Aljamain Sterling (where he lost his title via disqualification), Sean O’Malley, and Merab Dvalishvili. Yan’s career prior to this slump had been marked by consistent dominance, including a stint as champion and an interim title reign, earning him a reputation for relentless pressure and elite striking. The fight against Song Yadong at UFC 299 was widely considered a pivotal moment for Yan, a chance to halt his slide and reassert his position in the division.
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In their first meeting, Yan delivered a disciplined performance, securing a unanimous decision victory over Song. The judges’ scorecards reflected Yan’s effective striking combinations, takedown defense, and control, demonstrating his championship pedigree even amidst a challenging period. This win proved to be the catalyst for a remarkable career resurgence for Yan.
Following his victory over Song, Yan embarked on an impressive four-fight winning streak, culminating in him regaining the UFC bantamweight championship. His path back to the title included a subsequent unanimous decision victory over Sean O’Malley in a highly anticipated rematch in August 2024, avenging his previous loss. He then defeated top contender Cory Sandhagen by split decision in November 2024, further solidifying his claim. The crowning achievement of this run came at UFC 323 in December, where Yan faced Merab Dvalishvili in a much-anticipated rematch. Dvalishvili, who had defeated Yan earlier in 2023 and was on an extensive winning streak, presented a formidable challenge. Yan, however, delivered a masterful performance, utilizing superior striking and tactical grappling defense to secure a unanimous decision victory and reclaim the undisputed UFC Bantamweight Championship.
The current landscape surrounding Champion Petr Yan is marked by uncertainty. Earlier in 2026, Yan underwent back surgery, a procedure that has rendered his timeline for a return to active competition unclear. The nature of his first title defense in his second reign is also subject to speculation. A trilogy bout against Merab Dvalishvili remains a strong possibility, given the competitive nature of their two previous encounters and Dvalishvili’s persistent presence at the top of the rankings. Other prominent contenders in the stacked bantamweight division, such as Sean O’Malley, Cory Sandhagen, and Umar Nurmagomedov, also present compelling matchups for Yan’s return. For Song Yadong, maintaining activity and positioning himself as a mandatory challenger is paramount amidst this evolving situation.
Song’s recent performance against Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC Macau provided a testament to his continued development and adaptability. Figueiredo, a former two-time UFC Flyweight Champion, had successfully transitioned to the bantamweight division, securing victories over formidable opponents such as Rob Font and Cody Garbrandt. Known for his aggressive striking and dangerous submission game, Figueiredo presented a unique challenge for Song.
In a post-fight interview with UFC News, Song elaborated on his strategic approach to the Figueiredo bout. "My plan is stay calm and find the timing to knock him out, use my right hand," Song revealed, emphasizing his primary striking objective. However, he also highlighted a crucial aspect of his preparation: "But also I did a lot of grappling in camp." This dedicated focus on grappling proved instrumental in the fight’s outcome.
The first round saw both fighters exchanging strikes, with Song often dictating the pace and landing significant blows. Figueiredo, true to form, sought to close the distance and engage in grappling exchanges, utilizing his formidable Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu background. Song, however, displayed marked improvements in his defensive grappling and positional control. In the second round, as Figueiredo attempted to secure a takedown, Song capitalized on an opening, expertly transitioning into a tight guillotine choke. The speed and precision of the submission left Figueiredo with no option but to tap, marking only the second time in 34 professional bouts that the seasoned veteran had been submitted. The first instance occurred against Jussier Formiga in 2019, making Song’s feat a rare accomplishment against a fighter renowned for his resilience and grappling acumen.
The comprehensive nature of the victory has undeniably bolstered Song’s confidence. His post-fight remarks to UFC News reflected this renewed self-assurance and ambition. "I just proved myself again," Song stated, emphasizing the significance of the win in solidifying his position. He continued, "I’m top 5, I’m the best in the world." These declarations underline his belief in his current standing within the division.
Looking ahead, Song Yadong expressed a clear intention to remain an active presence in the bantamweight title picture. "I want to stay active. Fighting, also practice, I need to fight more and gain more experience," he affirmed. This commitment to continuous improvement and frequent competition is crucial in the highly competitive bantamweight division, where rankings can fluctuate rapidly and contenders often need multiple high-profile wins to secure a title shot.
While a direct rematch with Petr Yan hinges on the champion’s recovery and the UFC’s matchmaking plans for a division teeming with talent, Song Yadong’s dominant performance at UFC Macau has undoubtedly enhanced his claim. His ability to finish a dangerous opponent like Figueiredo, coupled with his expressed desire for a championship rematch, positions him as a significant factor in the unfolding narrative of the UFC bantamweight landscape. The coming months will reveal whether Song’s call for redemption against Yan will materialize, or if he will need to navigate other top contenders to further solidify his undeniable championship aspirations.
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