Former UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan won a thrilling battle of former champions in the main event of UFC Macau at the Galaxy Arena on Saturday.

Yan handed former UFC men’s flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo a unanimous decision loss (50-45 x3), winning every round against the Brazilian. As lopsided as the scorecards were in Yan’s favor, the fight was anything but easy for the Russian-Chinese bantamweight.

Figueiredo had his moments. He started the fight by securing top position and held it for almost a minute before Yan undid it and caused more damage.

In the fourth round, which I scored for Figueiredo, the Brazilian seemed to be making the better shots. Nevertheless, Yan was the rightful winner of the fight.

His striking, defensive wrestling and pace were the key factors. Yan’s varied attack, ranging from a powerful uppercut to some well-timed kicks, seemed to keep Figueiredo off balance and on the retreat.

Yan’s all-around MMA game was also on full display. Even when Figueiredo secured a takedown, Yan worked flawlessly to get to his feet and regain control.

Neither man seemed to tire very much as the tough fight lasted five rounds, but Yan never seemed to show any wilting. That show of determination included eating a hard body shot late in the Brazilian’s fight.

A fighter in less good shape could fold because of that blow. The win snaps Yan on a two-fight win streak and puts him firmly back in the picture for a chance to regain the bantamweight title.

After the fight, several people on social media showed their appreciation for the fight and Yan’s performance, including reigning bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili.

Dvalishvili defeated Yan in March 2023 by unanimous decision. It may be too early for a rematch. Instead, a rematch between Yan and Sean O’Malley makes more sense. Yan lost a split decision to O’Malley in October 2022.

UFC Macau Co-Main Event: Yan Xiaonan dominates Tabatha Ricci

In the co-main event, Yan Xiaonan proved there is a huge difference between No. 2 and No. 10 in the women’s strawweight division. The former title challenger from China dominated Tabatha Ricci in all three rounds, earning a lopsided unanimous decision win (30-27 x3).

Here’s a look at all of Macau’s results with highlights of each finish, including the bonus winners.

• Yan Xiaonan defeated Tabatha Ricci by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Muslim Salikhov defeats Song Kenan by KO (spinning wheel kick) at 3:49 of round 1

Spinning wheel KOs are rare, but Salikhov delivered one that earned him a Performance of the Night bonus.

• Gabriella Fernandes def. Wang Cong by technical submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:49 of round 2

Fernandes pulled off the big upset by dropping Wang with a huge straight right hand before locking in the rear naked choke to put her opponent to sleep. Fernandes took home one of the bonuses.

• Carlos Ulberg defeated Volkan Oezdemir by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
• Zhang Mingyang def. Ozzy Diaz by technical knockout (elbow and punches) at 2:25 of round 1

Mingyang’s follow-through elbow dropped Diaz and led to an explosive finish. The rising light heavyweight looks like a serious competitor at 205 pounds. Mingyang was another fighter who was rewarded with a bonus for his victory.

• SuYoung You defeated Baergeng Jieleysi by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
• DongHun Choi defeats Kiru Sahota by KO (right hook) at 2:36 of round 1

Choi’s huge right hand delivered a spectacular KO win, which earned him a UFC contract.

• Shi Ming defeats Feng Xiaocan by KO (head kick) at 0:46 of round 3

This finish was scary. Ming caught Xiaocan red in the face with a head kick with his right leg. Xiaocan was gone before she hit the canvas. Ming’s devastating head kick KO was so impressive that Xiaocan was carried from the Octagon.

Ming earned a bonus for her win.

• Carlos Hernandez def. Nyamjargal Tumendemberel via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
• Lone’er Kavanagh def. Jose Ochoa by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
• Xiao Long defeats Quang Le by KO (strikes) at 1:28 of round 3

Long showed impressive power in his UFC debut, making him a potential name to watch in the bantamweight division.

• Nikolas Motta defeated Maheshate by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)