The UFC’s recent stop in Macau, China, delivered a night of high-octane action that left fans eager for more. The event, held at the Galaxy Arena on May 30, 2026, featured a mix of rising stars and seasoned veterans, with several fighters making strong statements about their future in the organization.
The main event saw Song Yadong secure one of the most impressive victories of his career, submitting former champion Deiveson Figueiredo in the second round via guillotine choke. This win solidifies Yadong’s position as a top contender in the bantamweight division and sets the stage for an exciting future.
Song Yadong’s rise and potential next opponents
Song Yadong’s victory over Figueiredo was a career-defining moment for the Chinese fighter. With this win, Yadong moves to the No. 5 spot in the bantamweight rankings, putting him in prime position for a title shot. One potential next opponent is the winner of the upcoming bout between Cory Sandhagen and Mario Bautista.
Yadong has a history with Sandhagen, having lost to him in a previous fight via doctor’s stoppage. A rematch between these two would be highly anticipated, given their contrasting styles and the intensity of their first encounter. Alternatively, a fight against Umar Nurmagomedovthe current No. 2 ranked bantamweight, could also be on the horizon. Nurmagomedov is coming off a win over Figueiredo and would provide Yadong with another challenging test.
Sergei Pavlovich continues his dominant streak
In the heavyweight divisionSergei Pavlovich continued his impressive run with a first-round knockout of Tallison Teixeira. Pavlovich’s victory extends his win streak to three fights, showcasing his brutal striking power and relentless pressure. As he looks to climb the rankings, a potential matchup against the loser of the upcoming interim title fight between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane could be in the works.
Another intriguing option for Pavlovich is a rematch against Alexander Volkovwho defeated him two years ago. A rematch would not only provide Pavlovich with an opportunity for redemption but also help determine the next title challenger in the heavyweight division.
Kai Asakura makes a statement in bantamweight division
Kai Asakura finally broke through with his first UFC victory, knocking out Cameron Smotherman in spectacular fashion. Asakura’s performance was a reminder of his potential and could lead to a matchup with the winner of the Sandhagen vs. Bautista fight. This bout would give Asakura the opportunity to further establish himself in the bantamweight division and climb the rankings.
Asakura’s victory also highlights the depth of talent in the bantamweight division. With several top contenders vying for title shots, the competition is fierce, and Asakura’s next fight will be crucial in determining his future in the division.
The UFC Macau event was a testament to the organization’s ability to deliver thrilling action and set the stage for future matchups. With several fighters making strong statements, the road to the next title fights is shaping up to be an exciting one.
