4 Takeaways From UFC Macau

First off, the inauspicious placement of Hill’s fight against Xiong was rather surprising and demeaning, given each woman’s career background and reputation. It could easily have served as an action-packed featured prelim, just as the likes of Maycee Barber and Tatiana Suarez have received.

Ultimately, Hill dominated the fight as an underdog, avoiding Xiong’s power shots and proving the superiority of her volume and footwork en route to a shutout decision. It is a testament to her longevity as someone who makes up for her lack of power with veteran savvy and durability.

If there is a person who could enter the UFC Hall of Fame despite not being championship-caliber at any point, it is Hill. Until she retires and that happens, though, here is hoping for more bangers from her.

3) Bantamweight Kai Asakura Is Dangerous

Remember when Asakura was highly hyped after getting an immediate title shot in his UFC debut? Alas, Alexandre Pantoja silenced that hype, then Tim Elliott seemingly killed it.

Thus, when Asakura stepped into the cage against Cameron Smotherman, there was much pressure. New weight class, opponent who was still dangerous despite a current skid, and proximity to his compatriots. He delivered, scoring a knockout in the first round and perhaps proving that the weight cut was holding him back.

Suddenly, 135 has a name to watch out for. If Asakura wants the express route to contention, Marlon Vera makes the most sense.

2) Mingyang Zhang Has Lost His Luster

Remember when Mingyang Zhang was hyped as China’s next big thing? The way he sent Anthony Smith to retirement raised much intrigue, as the Far East had not created a contender above lightweight. The excitement. however, arguably peaked when he received a hometown clash against a then-foundering Johnny Walker.

Fans expected a breakout finish for Zhang, and it seemed very likely at various points in the first round. Unfortunately, Walker then started throwing leg kicks, the accumulation of which soon started hampering Zhang’s mobility.

It led to a second-round loss, but many agreed that Zhang had had too much too soon. So when he was pitted against Alonzo Menifield, the expectation was that he would have learned. Instead, Zhang hurt his opponent badly… then did not go for the kill. Menifield recovered and made him pay

Just like that, China has seen another potential UFC champion falter. Zhang might end up becomig like Da-un Jung instead – a rare Far Eastern light heavyweight who crumbled against better opposition.

1) Deiveson Figueiredo Must Retire

Deiveson Figueiredo has had an illustrious UFC career. He has been a two-time flyweight champion whose wars with Brandon Moreno helped to revitalize the division. His subsequent initial winning streak at bantamweight had many convinced that he could fight for that division’s title.

Alas, Petr Yan stopped that momentum, and it has been mostly downhill since. The nadir came on Saturday, when Song countered a double-leg takedown with a guillotine choke that forced a tapout.

At 38 years of age, Figueiredo is closer to the end of his career than many realize. This, it may be wise to hang up the gloves before everything gets worse.

End Of My UFC Macau Rant

The biggest story coming out of Macau, however, may not have come inside the cage.

Weili Zhang had been rumored to be in attendance, with Dana White purportedly set to announce her next move during the post-fight presser. Instead, no word was said, and fans will have to continue guessing.

Thus ends the UFC’s May. Next up: June, headlined by none other than the momentous Freedom 250 at the White House…