UFC Macau results: Petr Yan tops, Wang Cong falls short

Petr Yan earned a unanimous‑decision victory over former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC Macau on Nov. 23, 2024, cementing his rise in the bantamweight division [1]. In the co‑main event, Yan Xiaonan also won by unanimous decision, while newcomer Wang Cong was handed a defeat by Gabriella Fernandes, marking the night’s biggest loser [1].

Key takeaways

• Petr Yan’s win over Figueiredo puts him firmly in the bantamweight title conversation [1].
• Gabriella Fernandes secured a submission victory, snapping her 0‑2 start and becoming a “biggest winner” [1].
• Muslim Salikhov earned a $50,000 performance bonus with a spinning wheel‑kick knockout [1].
• Wang Cong’s loss ends her unbeaten streak and stalls momentum after a win over Valentina Shevchenko [1].
• Merab Dvalishvili publicly challenged Yan for a March 2025 bout at UFC 313 [1].

Main card outcomes and standout performances

The headline bout saw former bantamweight champion Petr Yan dominate former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo. Yan controlled the striking exchanges with precise power shots and even out‑grappled Figueiredo, leading the judges to score the fight 50‑45 on all three cards [1]. After the win, Yan was immediately challenged by current champion Merab Dvalishvili, who proposed a March 2025 showdown at UFC 313 [1]. Whether the promotion will schedule that fight remains uncertain.

On the undercard, Gabriella Fernandes rebounded from an early setback against Wang Cong, delivering a decisive left hand in round 2 before locking in a rear‑naked choke for the stoppage [1]. The victory marks Fernandes’ second consecutive win after beginning her UFC career 0‑2, and it could shift attention toward her future match‑ups. Russian veteran Muslim Salikhov showcased his striking prowess with a $50,000‑worth spinning wheel‑kick knockout of Song Kenan, replicating a similar finish he achieved two years earlier [1].

Why it matters

Yan’s triumph over a former champion elevates his standing in the 135‑pound division and positions him as a potential challenger for the bantamweight belt, pending the UFC’s scheduling decisions. The public challenge from Dvalishvili adds intrigue to the division’s title picture, suggesting a possible March 2025 clash. Meanwhile, Fernandes’ submission win revives her career trajectory, turning a previously winless start into a momentum‑building streak. Salikhov’s performance bonus underscores his continued relevance as a knockout artist in the UFC’s heavyweight ranks.

Wang Cong’s defeat, however, curtails the buzz generated by her earlier victory over Valentina Shevchenko and may delay any immediate high‑profile match‑ups for her. The outcomes from UFC Macau thus reshape the competitive landscape across multiple weight classes, setting the stage for upcoming fights and potential title contention in the months ahead.