Song Yadong wanted a knockout, but he proved he can finish fights any way he wants.
The Chinese bantamweight contender delivered a huge statement in front of his home crowd at UFC Macau, submitting former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo with a second-round guillotine choke at Galaxy Arena.
The victory marked an important bounce-back moment for Song Yadong, who entered the fight looking to rebound after a unanimous decision loss to Sean O’Malley. While his original plan was to put Figueiredo away with his striking, the 28-year-old showed he has far more tools in his arsenal than many expected.
“My plan was to stay calm and find the timing to knock him out, to use my right hand,” Song Yadong said after the fight.
“But I also did a lot of grappling during camp. How about this Song? People think I don’t know jiu-jitsu? Who said I don’t know jiu-jitsu? I just don’t always show it.
“I like knocking people out and using my boxing, but if you want to grapple, then let’s grapple. It doesn’t matter.”
The submission win was the fourth of Song Yadong’s professional career and the second guillotine choke finish on his résumé. More importantly, it reminded the bantamweight division that he remains one of the most dangerous contenders in the weight class.
With the win, Song Yadong improved to 4-2 in his last six fights, with his only losses coming against elite competition, including current UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan.
Now, the Chinese standout wants another shot at the man who previously beat him.
“I’d like to fight a rematch with Petr Yan,” Song Yadong said during his post-fight interview.
Their first clash came at UFC 299 in March 2024, where Yan earned a decision victory. Since then, Yan has gone on to reclaim the bantamweight title, while Song Yadong has continued building his case as a top contender.
The UFC’s title picture remains uncertain, with Yan still recovering from back surgery and a possible trilogy fight with Merab Dvalishvili looming. Still, Song Yadong believes he has done enough to keep himself firmly in the championship conversation.
“I just proved myself again,” Song said.“I’m top five. I’m one of the best in the world. I want to stay active because fighting helps me improve. I need to keep fighting and gain more experience.”
That hunger to stay active has become a defining part of Song Yadong’s rise through the bantamweight ranks.
Saturday’s performance also sent a strong message to anyone who doubted his ground game. Submitting a fighter as experienced and dangerous as Figueiredo is no small feat, especially considering it was only the second submission loss of the Brazilian’s professional career.
For Song Yadong, the win was more than just another victory. It was proof that he continues to evolve and with his confidence soaring after UFC Macau, Song Yadong has made it clear that his sights are set on the very top of the bantamweight division.
