In the main event of UFC 248, held in China, Petr Yan faced Deiveson Figueiredo in a highly anticipated bantamweight showdown. The Russian challenger brought a blend of sharp boxing, precise footwork, and relentless pressure, while Figueiredo offered a dynamic mix of speed and power that kept the pace high from the opening bell. The arena was alive as fans watched two elite competitors exchange combinations, slips, and tactical feints that underscored the evolving skill set of the bantamweight division. Analysts noted the bout could shift the title picture depending on who imposed their game plan and controlled the pace of the fight, a storyline that captured attention across Canada and the United States as well as in China [UFC Stats].
After the final horn, Yan offered a candid reflection on the momentum he built during the bout. He stated, I felt like I was leading the laps. But anything can happen: I’ve already fallen down once. Before my fight, Merab Dvalishvili said that Figueiredo was the best contender for the bantamweight belt. What do you say now, Merab? I want revenge! – Yan said after the fight. His words captured the confidence and crisp self-belief that defined his approach and underscored the ongoing title chase in the division [UFC Stats].
The five-round main event unfolded with relentless pace. Yan pressed forward, layering combinations, kicks, and sharp footwork, while Figueiredo answered with fast counters and bursts of aggression. By unanimous decision, the judges favored the Russian 50-45, a testament to Yan’s ability to maintain control across all rounds and to dictate the rhythm of the fight. The scoreline reflected a performance that blended offense with intelligent defense, leaving little room for doubt about the winner and reinforcing Yan’s standing in the bantamweight ranks [UFC Stats].
With the victory, the 31-year-old Yan improved to 18 wins against five defeats in his UFC tenure, a record that signals consistency at the sport’s highest level. Deiveson Figueiredo, meanwhile, entered the ledger with 24 wins, one draw and four losses, a line that confirms the Brazilian as one of the sport’s most dangerous and unpredictable finishers. The result reinforced the shifting dynamics of the bantamweight landscape, suggesting that Yan remains a central figure in future title discussions and that Figueiredo will continue to be a formidable opponent for anyone in the stack of contenders [UFC Stats].
In the co-main event, Xiaonan Yan from China and Tabatha Ricci of Brazil faced off in a bout that highlighted the surge of women’s strawweight talent. Yan controlled the pace with clean technique, sustained pressure, and accurate striking, while Ricci fought to close distance and mix in grappling exchanges. After three rounds, the judges’ cards read 30-27, 30-27, and 30-27 in favor of the Chinese contender, delivering a decisive unanimous decision win and marking a notable moment for the home crowd and for the growth of Chinese competitors on the global stage [UFC Stats].
Earlier on the card, Russian striker Muslim Salikhov took on China’s Song Kanan. The encounter ended with Salikhov delivering a knockout in the first round, a finish that showcased his veteran precision and finishing instincts. The crowd reacted with enthusiasm as the seasoned striker reminded observers why he remains a dangerous threat in the welterweight division, adding another memorable moment to a night filled with action [UFC Stats].
Beyond the cage, the event also carried a thread of crossover appeal as chatter connected Jake Paul to a possible future opponent, reflecting the growing synergy between mixed martial arts and broader media narratives. The storyline underscored how MMA bouts attract attention beyond traditional fans, expanding the sport’s reach while leaving room for genuine speculation about future matchups and potential crossovers [UFC Stats].