The UFC made an impressive comeback to Macau on Saturday with UFC Fight Night 248, taking place at the Galaxy Arena. This marked a significant occasion, being the promotion’s first event in the region in over a decade. The night was filled with high stakes and exhilarating action, defining it as one of the most explosive fight cards of 2023.
In the event’s main attraction, former bantamweight champion Petr Yan confronted the formidable Deiveson Figueiredo. Although the bout concluded without a finish, Yan demonstrated a masterclass in strategy and precision throughout the fight, garnering a unanimous decision victory. His performance served as a stark reminder of his caliber, as he improved his career record to 18 wins against 5 losses. This victory marked Yan’s first consecutive wins since 2020, subtly indicating his return to form after a challenging period.
Figueiredo, on the other hand, faced setbacks as he continues to carve his path in the UFC bantamweight division. With a record of 3 wins and 1 loss since his transition in December 2023, the Brazilian fighter now holds two of his four career losses by decision. This fight showcased the resilience and skill of both fighters, but also highlighted Figueiredo’s frustrating inability to secure decisive victories in high-stakes matchups.
The night was not limited to established names. Yan Xiaonan’s fight was a revelation as she extended her post-layoff record to an impressive 13-3, which includes one no-contest. With eight of her nine UFC wins coming via decision, Xiaonan is quickly becoming a stealthy contender in the bantamweight sphere. Meanwhile, Tabatha Ricci, though facing a tough opponent, suffered two decision losses in her career, epitomizing the challenges young fighters encounter when navigating the treacherous waters of the UFC.
One of the night’s most shocking moments unfolded when Fernandes—a hefty +750 underdog—achieved the fourth-largest upset in UFC history. Despite being at a glaring disadvantage in significant strikes, Fernandes’ tenacity led her to victory. Such outcomes not only shook the fight community but also demonstrated the unpredictable nature of mixed martial arts, where skill can often outweigh statistics.
Innovative Finishes and Records
Among the unique finishes of the night, Salikhov made history by becoming the first fighter in the UFC to notch multiple knockouts with spinning wheel kicks. Such unparalleled success with a specific technique is a testament to the effectiveness of creativity in combat sports. Meanwhile, Mingyang, with all his wins coming via stoppage in the first round, added his name to the annals of UFC history by delivering a knockout facilitated by an elbow strike from a distance—yet another first in the light heavyweight division.
Carlos Ulberg highlighted his prowess by maintaining an active seven-fight winning streak in the light heavyweight class, representing the longest such run currently in this competitive division. In contrast, Volkan Oezdemir, a seasoned veteran in the UFC, now finds his record less favorable, having lost five out of his last twelve fights since early 2018.
Career Defining Moments
Notably, numerous fighters had defining moments that could shape their careers moving forward. Carlos Hernandez, who has consistently secured decision victories, maintains a competitive run in the UFC, while newcomers Nyamjargal Tumendemberel and Jose Ochoa faced hurdles as they experienced their first professional losses. The former’s eight-fight winning streak came to an abrupt end, demonstrating the harsh realities of the sport.
Quang Le rounded off the night with his own struggles, suffering consecutive losses after an impressive unbeaten streak. This bout highlighted how quickly fortunes can change in the brutal world of the UFC, where each fight poses a unique risk and reward.
UFC Fight Night 248 not only marked a triumphant return to Macau but also showcased the myriad stories within the octagon, featuring veterans, rising stars, and monumental upsets that captured fans’ imaginations and renewed excitement surrounding the sport. As the UFC continues to expand its global reach, events like these remind us why we love mixed martial arts—it’s a thrilling journey governed by unpredictability and fierce competition.