UFC Macau: Galaxy Arena; Macau, China
What started off as a slick grappling fight, didn’t finish that way. It wound up being a back and forth in the pocket enjoyable scrap. The fight between Petr Yan and Deiveson Figueiredo tested the mettle of the former champions. With both being back on the hunt for UFC Gold at bantamweight.
After losing three-straight decisions, the 31-year old Russian has won back-to-back ones 50-45. While the defeat is “Figgy’s” first at 135. Figueiredo has been called out by champion Merab Dvalishvili. However Yan post-fight asked of the champion, what about his performance.
Yan’s kicking game, especially early on, along with his takedown defense, and nasty uppercuts gave him the early momentum. Although Figueiredo did have some moments of his own. Especially late as the duo stayed in the phone booth. Yan doubled Figueiredo’s significant strike output 121-65 thanks in part to his footwork keeping him out of most danger.
Back On The Hunt Might Take A Bit Longer
A rematch between the Georgian and the Russian would be fun and once again test their cardio. But there should first be a battle of Russia. Umar Nurmagomedov is a lot of people’s choice to be up next for the strap. And his ground game might weigh on the high octane pressure of Dvalishvili. However, he has just a single top-12 victory.
Now, a battle between Yan and Nurmagomedov as a number one contender fight has some complexcity to it. Where they both excel is their fight IQ. Yan is no slouch on the mat. But he’s not close to the level of the EAGLE-MMA star pupil. From side control and on top he does have some hard elbows though. And Yan’s handspeed might make Nurmagomedov question himself shooting all together. Especially if his takedown defense is working along the cage. In open space it might be a different story.
If Yan can chop up Nurmagomedov’s lead leg, and rip the body, it would open up his chin. Which would get him the chance he wants, to be a two-time champion.
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