UFC Macau: Song vs. Figueiredo Opens a New Era for the UFC in Asia

UFC Fight Night in Macau won’t be just another fight card. It’s the beginning of a four-year partnership between the UFC and Galaxy Macau Integrated Resort and the first step in a long-term plan to establish Macau as a premium destination for the UFC in Asia.

 
The booking choices for this event reveal that much. Song Yadong, ranked fifth at bantamweight and one of the biggest Chinese stars on the UFC roster, will headline against former two-time flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo. In the co-main event, Zhang Mingyang will face Alonzo Menifield in a light heavyweight bout after his first UFC loss to Johnny Walker last August in Shanghai.

Other notable fights include Su Mudaerji vs. Alex Perez at flyweight, Aori Qileng vs. Cody Haddon at bantamweight, and Ding Meng vs. Jose Henrique at welterweight. Seven Chinese fighters on one card aren't an accident – it’s a deliberate choice to showcase local talent and build fan bases in Asia. 

Kai Asakura, the former two-time RIZIN bantamweight champion from Japan, will also compete against Cameron Smotherman at bantamweight. Asakura has had two losses in the UFC – both by submission at flyweight – and is moving back up to bantamweight, where he made his name in RIZIN. This fight could be make-or-break for his UFC career. Sergei Pavlovich vs Tallison Teixeira at heavyweight and Muslim Salikhov vs Jake Matthews at welterweight round out the main card.

 

The Numbers Behind The Strategy

UFC has invested heavily in China, with an audience of over 188 million fans and 17 million social media followers across various platforms since partnering with Migu in 2021. The promotion has seen a 70% increase in followers since then.

 
Macau is strategically positioned as a gateway to China’s Greater Bay Area, drawing tourists from across Asia and having the infrastructure to host premium international events. Galaxy Arena, which opened recently, provides a purpose-built venue for the kind of production the UFC wants to deliver in the region.

 
“In 2026, Macau will be the launchpad to UFC in Asia." said Kevin Chang, UFC Senior Vice President and Head of Asia.

Road To UFC Returns Alongside The Main Card

The fight week in Macau will feature not only the main card but also Season 5 of Road To UFC, which gives up-and-coming Asian fighters a direct path to a UFC contract. The program has contributed 18 Asian athletes to the UFC roster across its first four seasons.

What’s At Stake In The Octagon?

Beyond strategy, there are significant sporting stakes on May 30.

 
Song Yadong (22-9-1) is looking to bounce back from a unanimous decision loss to Sean O’Malley at UFC 324 in January. A dominant win over Figueiredo would cement him as a top contender and make him the face of UFC China.

 
Deiveson Figueiredo (25-6-1) has struggled with his transition to bantamweight, missing weight by 2.5 pounds for his last fight against Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 324 and losing by unanimous decision. At 38 years old, this could be his last chance as a contender.

 
Zhang Mingyang (19-4) needs this fight after being stopped by Johnny Walker in Shanghai following three consecutive first-round finishes that earned him Performance of The Night bonuses.
Kai Asakura (21-6) is running out of time after two submission losses at flyweight; moving back up to bantamweight where he made his name in RIZIN may be his last chance to turn his career around.

How To Watch UFC Fight Night: Song vs. Figueiredo

UFC Fight Night: Song vs. Figueiredo takes place on May 30 at Galaxy Arena in Macau. The early prelims begin at 4:00 AM ET, with the main card starting at 7:00 AM ET and streaming live on Paramount+.

Main Card (7:00 AM ET)

Prelims (4:00 AM ET)