We asked AI to predict the winner of Petr Yan vs. Deiveson Figueiredo (And it gave a surprising reply)
The Petr Yan vs. Deiveson Figueiredo showdown pits two former UFC champions against one another, with potential bantamweight title implications. Their fight headlines the UFC Macau card in Macau, China, on Nov. 23, 2024. Google's AI Gemini has made its predictions and picked a definitive winner.
Russia's Yan is a former UFC bantamweight champion. Brazil's Figueiredo is a former UFC flyweight champion who's been wreaking havoc since moving up to the bantamweight division.
The AI prediction alluded to Yan being an ex-UFC bantamweight titleholder known to possess unrelenting pressure and technically proficient striking skills.
On the other hand, Figueiredo was acknowledged as a former UFC flyweight titlist who boasts a sturdy chin (i.e., can generally sustain considerable damage without being knocked out), a strong grappling arsenal, and powerful striking.
The definitive prediction for the Yan vs. Figueiredo clash was that Yan would emerge victorious via unanimous decision.
The prediction was divided into four key categories: striking, grappling, cardio, and X-factor.
It was asserted that Yan has better precision striking and boxing, which would give him the edge in the stand-up department. It's likely that 'No Mercy' would set up his power strikes building off the jab and dissect Figueiredo with combination striking.
Figueiredo's skilled grappling was highlighted. However, it was added that Yan's defense in regard to submissions and wrestling would be adequate to prevent being taken to the mat and dominated there.
Thirdly, Yan's cardio was deemed superior. He'll possibly maintain a high pace over the course of the matchup and wear 'Deus da Guerra' (aka 'God of War') in the closing rounds of their main event matchup scheduled for five rounds.
Fourthly, the X-Factor was pointed out to be the Brazilian's punching power that could help him secure a stoppage early in the fight if he caught Yan. Nevertheless, Yan's deftness at avoiding damage and defensive abilities are viewed as elements that'll probably ensure the fight goes the distance.
In a nutshell, it was predicted that Yan's greater conditioning and well-rounded MMA arsenal would help him bag a unanimous decision win against Figueiredo.
Petr Yan vs. Deiveson Figueiredo: 'No Mercy' goes to war with the 'God of War' eyeing UFC gold
Petr Yan's (17-5 MMA) most recent fight witnessed him defeat Song Yadong via unanimous decision in March 2024. Prior to that, Yan was on a three-fight losing streak. It included points defeats against Aljamain Sterling, Sean O'Malley, and Merab Dvalishvili.
Deiveson Figueiredo (24-3, 1 draw) is fresh off a unanimous decision win over Marlon Vera in Aug. 2024. 'Deus da Guerra's' current three-fight win streak includes a unanimous decision win over Rob Font, a submission stoppage against Cody Garbrandt, and the aforementioned points victory over Vera thus far.
The Yan vs. Figueiredo matchup's significance is reflected in both fighters' current positions in the division's upper echelons. Yan is at No. 3 and Figueiredo stands at No. 5 in the official UFC bantamweight rankings.
While UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili potentially defends his title against the No. 2-ranked Umar Nurmagomedov next, the Yan-Figueiredo winner could enter the title picture soon.