On November 23, UFC Fight Night 248 will spotlight an electrifying matchup in the bantamweight division, featuring former champion Petr Yan taking on Deiveson Figueiredo, a past titleholder in the flyweight category. This highly anticipated contest is scheduled for five rounds and will unfold at the Galaxy Arena in Macau. The stakes couldn’t be higher for both fighters, currently ranked No. 3 and No. 5 in the bantamweight division, as they aim to solidify their standings against champion Merab Dvalishvili, who appears uncertain about his first title defense.
Petr Yan (17-5 MMA, 9-4 UFC) is determined to reclaim his dominance after a challenging stretch that saw him lose three consecutive fights, the last of which was a title loss to Aljamain Sterling. However, Yan rebounded admirably in his recent outing at UFC 299, where he captured a unanimous decision victory against Song Yadong. This win not only halted his losing streak but also reinstated his confidence and fighting spirit, traits synonymous with his previous championship reign.
Conversely, Deiveson Figueiredo (24-3-1 MMA, 13-3-1 UFC) has demonstrated remarkable versatility since transitioning to bantamweight last December. Figueiredo’s path has been distinguished by stellar performances, winning three out of four fights against formidable opponents, including notable names like Cody Garbrandt and Marlon Vera. His rapid ascent in the bantamweight ranks showcases his adaptability and skill, proving that he is more than capable of leaving his mark in a new weight class.
Fans can look forward to a well-structured event featuring a total of 13 exciting bouts, culminating in the main event clash between Yan and Figueiredo. The preliminaries kick off at 3 a.m. ET, followed by the main card beginning at 6 a.m. ET. As anticipation builds, viewers can expect Yan and Figueiredo to make their highly awaited entrances to the octagon around 8:30 a.m. ET. Given the timing, local viewers will be treated to a primetime spectacle, elevating the stakes further.
This matchup holds significant implications for the bantamweight landscape. With Dvalishvili’s reluctance to face Umar Nurmagomedov for his title defense, the outcome of Yan vs. Figueiredo could pivotally influence championship dynamics. A victory for Yan could reignite his pursuit of the title, restoring him to contender status and challenging Dvalishvili’s reign. Alternatively, if Figueiredo manages to seize victory, it could solidify his standing as a formidable force in the bantamweight title picture, potentially lining him up for a shot at the championship soon after.
UFC Fight Night 248 is poised to deliver an unforgettable night of mixed martial arts action. As Petr Yan and Deiveson Figueiredo step into the octagon, the implications of their bout extend far beyond a mere victory, potentially reshaping the future of the bantamweight division. Both fighters are primed for battle, and fans are eager to witness which contender will emerge victorious in this high-stakes encounter.