UFC Macau First Look: Yan vs. Figueiredo Betting Picks, Odds & Predictions

UFC Macau Information

• When: Saturday, November 23, 2024 – 03:00 AM ET
• Where: Galaxy Arena
• Scheduled Bouts: 13
• Main Event: Petr Yan vs. Deiveson Figueiredo
• Moneyline Probability: Yan – 75% (-300) Figueiredo – 28.6% (+250)

UFC Macau Main Event Profiles

Petr “No Mercy” Yan

Six years and thirteen fights later, Russia’s Petr Yan has achieved great heights during his stint in the UFC bantamweight division. Between his promotional debut in 2018 and 2020, he ran through eight opponents, including the formidable Jose Aldo, for the 135lb title.

Unfortunately, success and title victories began to slow down for Russia’s top-tier bantamweight. Following the controversial loss of the title drop to Aljamain Sterling, he’s struggled to collect dubs against the top ranks of the division. However, his rematch with Sterling and a clash with Sean O’Malley could easily have been scored in his favor when the split decision results were dished out.

One notable aspect surrounding Yan is his age. He entered the UFC at a young age, won the title at age 27, and now, at 31, could have arguably yet to show us his best work. Yan is just 31 but still possesses the incredible skills that brought him to title contention, and it wouldn’t be surprising to witness him reach those heights again. His only true clear defeat in the octagon came against the current champ, Merab Dvalishvili.

Yan Best Moneyline Odds: (-300) at Heritage Sports

Deiveson “Deus da Guerra“ Figueiredo

Many speculated on Deiveson Figueiredo’s ability to compete at 135lbs following a successful career in the flyweight division. However, since the Brazilian power puncher ended his feud with Brandon Moreno in 2023, he’s moved up a weight class, and with three straight top-ranked bantamweight opponents on his record since, he’s managed to run through them all convincingly.

Is Figgy destined to become a two-weight world champion? Based on recent performances, it’s hard to ignore his chances. Unfortunately, 135lbs is stacked with elite opposition inside the top-five ranks, and the former flyweight champ must first prove himself against those names, starting with Yan this weekend in China.

Figueiredo Best Moneyline Odds: (+250) at Heritage Sports

UFC Macau: Tale of the Tape

UFC Macau Skillset Analysis: Styles Make Fights

At range, in the pocket, on the ground, or standing, Deiveson Figueiredo owns a multi-faceted skillset that’s allowed him to win fights in all areas of mixed martial arts. When you look for an example of a fighter who can do it all, the Brazilian truly can, and that’s why he’s been so domineering during his UFC tenure thus far.

Petr Yan isn’t as skilled in the grappling realm as his weekend opponent, but when it comes to crisp, clean, precise boxing offense, he’s long been the bantamweight who shines in this area. When you compare that with a durability that’s seen him avoid stoppage losses in every pro-MMA fight to date, alongside credible cardio, he becomes a problem for most fighters to overcome.

Over 4.5 Rounds: The UFC Macau Best Bet Formula

The wrestling is even; grappling sides with Figgy, boxing favors Yan, and distance striking with a mixture of attacks, including kicks, likely goes to Figgy again. We can give Yan durability and cardio, and with that said, we have an incredibly close fight between the two former champions. Therefore, picking a side isn’t easy.

The available odds have placed Yan as a -300 favorite, and in all honesty, this line is a complete disrespect to what Figueiredo is capable of. I understand he’s 37 years old, but he hasn’t looked his age, and that’s why we’ll attack the total going over for this bout.

If both men possess one clear attribute, it would be durability. Yan has never been knocked out or submitted, while Figgy’s only KO/TKO defeat resulted from a doctor’s stoppage. Figgy has been submitted once before, but this isn’t Yan’s style, and the Russian is also incredibly difficult to lock up in submissions himself.

A pair of technical strikers with high fight IQ and credible durability will likely take this fight to the judges’ scorecards. Yes, they’re both dangerous finishers in their own right but they are equally as talented in defensive awareness inside the octagon.

UFC Pick: Over 4.5 Rounds (-160) [1.6u to win 1u] at Heritage Sports

Over 4.5 Rounds (-160)

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*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.