The UFC landed in China to host a big event with a lot of Asian presence. Despite this, the main fight was a duel of former champions which pitted the Russian Petr Yan against the Brazilian Deiveson Figueiredo. Yan defeated the former lower weight champion by unanimous decision in a clash in which it seemed that the Russian was going to win easily, but in which Figueiredo showed off his champion status and complicated the fight in the final rounds.
Petr Yan has shown that he can never be considered dead. The Russian, who once held the title of UFC champion, was coming off a difficult situation of three defeats in a row. In his last fight he achieved victory, but there were still doubts as to whether he would fight for the belt again. His fight in Macau against Deiveson Figueiredo was decisive in knowing this, and Petr Yan has brought out his best level.
The combat began in a peculiar way. Both athletes being known for fighting on their feet, the Brazilian moved the clash to the ground in the first moments. Although he controlled the position for two minutes he did not apply great damage. For his part, Yan reversed the situation and was on top, and he did punish his rival’s face with powerful elbows. In the second round they did occupy the vertical position. The Russian punished Figueiredo’s legs throughout the entire time and got the best combinations. No Mercy (the nickname by which Petr Yan is known) was faster, and certified the round with a great judo takedown.
For the third, the Brazilian tried to go to the floor, but an attentive Yan avoided him, and they continued standing, where he was more comfortable. In this round the dominance was complete. Every time Figueiredo lowered his head he was responded to with a knee or uppercut from the Russian. At the close of the round, Deiveson looked hurt, and Yan took the opportunity to land a violent combination that almost ended the fight. Entering the so-called championship rounds, No Mercy’s dominance was still present, so much so that in one fell swoop he took his opponent’s mouthpiece. However, although he was looking better, a hand from Figueiredo sat the Russian down, and although he recovered, it served to show that the fight was still competitive.
The last set was the most disputed. They both started strong, a hand from Deiveson even staggered Petr Yan, who maintained his composure, and continued punishing with his combinations when leaving the clinch. Again, towards the end the Brazilian came back, but it was not enough to steal the round or finish the fight. Finally, Petr Yan obtained unanimous decision, 50-45 for the three judges. With this victory the Russian shows that he is still among the best in the division and could try to make another run for the UFC champion belt.
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