The Ultimate Fighting Championship recently held an event in Macau, China, featuring a strong lineup of local talent, with their prominent male fighter, Song Yadong, headlining the card. This article ranks the primary winners from the UFC Fight Night event, titled “Song vs. Figueiredo.”
UFC Macau Top Performers
1. Song Yadong
As the headliner, Song Yadong secured the top spot in our rankings. He carried the expectations of his nation, aiming for the sole Chinese victory of the night and needing a decisive win to advance his claim for a title shot in the bantamweight division. Under immense pressure, Song delivered an exceptional performance, submitting former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo in the second round. This victory positions him strongly for a championship opportunity and provided the Macau crowd with a memorable, electrifying moment at the Galaxy Arena.
2. Rodrigo Vera
Rodrigo Vera’s UFC aspirations seemed dashed after failing to qualify for The Ultimate Fighter. However, he remained in Las Vegas, stayed prepared, and seized his opportunity. Vera stepped in on short notice to face Zhu Kangjie, achieving a knockout victory in under two minutes. The Peruvian bantamweight made an immediate impact, and his progression in the competitive bantamweight division will be compelling to watch.
3. Kai Asakura
Kai Asakura has returned to the bantamweight division and is demonstrating his former prowess. After two losses at flyweight in his UFC debut, Asakura dropped down in weight and faced a less experienced opponent, securing a much-needed victory. While Cameron Smotherman may not have the pedigree of past opponents like Alexandre Pantoja or Tim Elliott, Asakura’s performance showcased his superiority. He finished Smotherman in just 1 minute and 50 seconds, marking his first UFC win. Asakura at bantamweight is a formidable force and promises to be an exciting addition to the 135-pound division.
4. Alonzo Menifield
Alonzo Menifield, known for his power in the light heavyweight division, had not secured a knockout since October 2022. This changed with his impressive first-round TKO victory over the Chinese knockout artist Zhang Mingyang. Despite Zhang’s forward-marching style and heavy punches, Menifield chose to engage in a striking battle rather than utilize his wrestling. He weathered some significant blows but ultimately overwhelmed Zhang to secure the first-round finish. The bout earned both fighters a $100,000 Fight of the Night bonus. With this significant win, a substantial payday, and his ranking secured, Menifield is now poised to challenge higher-ranked opponents. His willingness to trust his striking power makes him a dangerous competitor.
5. Angela Hill
The matchup between Angela Hill and former ONE Championship strawweight champion Xiong Jingnan delivered an exciting fight. While Xiong performed adequately, Hill was outstanding. “Overkill” displayed one of her best performances in years, outstriking and outworking the typically aggressive Xiong. Hill frustrated Xiong with unpredictable strikes and effectively attacked the body, showcasing a well-rounded striking game. This victory, though perhaps not receiving widespread attention due to Xiong’s relative obscurity to some UFC fans, was a significant achievement for Hill, marking her 19th career win. It was a valuable learning experience for Xiong, who is expected to improve, but the night belonged to Hill.
