Chinese bantamweight fighter Song Yadong will face former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo in the main event of UFC Macau on May 27, 2026 [1].

The bout represents a critical crossroads for both athletes. Yadong is attempting to rebound from a controversial loss to secure a bantamweight title shot, while Figueiredo is fighting to revitalize his career after a difficult stretch in the 135-pound division.

Yadong enters the fight with a clear objective regarding the division's championship. "I need to get the f*cking belt," Yadong said [3]. Fighting in his home region of Macau, China [2], the bantamweight aims to use the local support to propel himself back into title contention.

Regarding the atmosphere of the event, Yadong expressed confidence in his mental preparation. "I will not feel extra pressure performing before my home crowd," he said [2].

Figueiredo brings a storied professional record to the contest, entering the bout with a mark of 25-6-1 in mixed martial arts and 14-6-1 within the UFC [1]. Despite his previous success as a champion, his recent transition to the bantamweight class has not met expectations.

Figueiredo views the Macau event as a turning point for his career trajectory. "I'm looking for a new beginning at UFC Macau," Figueiredo said [1].

The matchup pits Yadong's need for a statement victory against Figueiredo's desire for a professional reset. Both fighters are fighting for positioning in a crowded bantamweight landscape, where a single win can dictate the path to a championship fight.

“"I need to get the f*cking belt."”

This fight serves as a high-stakes gatekeeper match. For Yadong, a victory in Macau validates his status as a top contender and proves he can handle the pressure of a home-country main event. For Figueiredo, the result will determine if his move to bantamweight is viable or if his championship pedigree is insufficient at 135 pounds.