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Deadspin | Report: NWSL nearing vote on calendar shift  Sep 30, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; A general view of the game ball before the game between Washington Spirit and Kansas City Current at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images   The NWSL reportedly is considering a switch to a fall-to-spring schedule to align with other top soccer leagues — including MLS.   ESPN reported on Friday that the NWSL’s board of governors is expected to vote on the issue later this month.  Currently, the NWSL season runs from March to November. Top circuits in Europe start in late summer or early fall and end in late spring. MLS is making the transition to that format next season.   The NWSL board previously voted against a calendar shift in 2024, according to ESPN.   Switching calendars, if approved, could take several years to implement, per the report.  A league spokesperson declined to provide a comment to ESPN.  Those in favor of shifting to a fall-to-spring setup argue that there would be less competition for TV viewers for the NWSL playoffs. Those against a change point to the potential safety risks of playing in the league’s many cold-weather markets, including Denver, Boston, Chicago, Seattle and Salt Lake City.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Report #NWSL #nearing #vote #calendar #shift

Deadspin | Report: NWSL nearing vote on calendar shift
Deadspin | Report: NWSL nearing vote on calendar shift  Sep 30, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; A general view of the game ball before the game between Washington Spirit and Kansas City Current at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images   The NWSL reportedly is considering a switch to a fall-to-spring schedule to align with other top soccer leagues — including MLS.   ESPN reported on Friday that the NWSL’s board of governors is expected to vote on the issue later this month.  Currently, the NWSL season runs from March to November. Top circuits in Europe start in late summer or early fall and end in late spring. MLS is making the transition to that format next season.   The NWSL board previously voted against a calendar shift in 2024, according to ESPN.   Switching calendars, if approved, could take several years to implement, per the report.  A league spokesperson declined to provide a comment to ESPN.  Those in favor of shifting to a fall-to-spring setup argue that there would be less competition for TV viewers for the NWSL playoffs. Those against a change point to the potential safety risks of playing in the league’s many cold-weather markets, including Denver, Boston, Chicago, Seattle and Salt Lake City.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Report #NWSL #nearing #vote #calendar #shiftSep 30, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; A general view of the game ball before the game between Washington Spirit and Kansas City Current at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The NWSL reportedly is considering a switch to a fall-to-spring schedule to align with other top soccer leagues — including MLS.

ESPN reported on Friday that the NWSL’s board of governors is expected to vote on the issue later this month.

Currently, the NWSL season runs from March to November. Top circuits in Europe start in late summer or early fall and end in late spring. MLS is making the transition to that format next season.


The NWSL board previously voted against a calendar shift in 2024, according to ESPN.

Switching calendars, if approved, could take several years to implement, per the report.

A league spokesperson declined to provide a comment to ESPN.

Those in favor of shifting to a fall-to-spring setup argue that there would be less competition for TV viewers for the NWSL playoffs. Those against a change point to the potential safety risks of playing in the league’s many cold-weather markets, including Denver, Boston, Chicago, Seattle and Salt Lake City.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Report #NWSL #nearing #vote #calendar #shift

Sep 30, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; A general view of the game ball before the game between Washington Spirit and Kansas City Current at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The NWSL reportedly is considering a switch to a fall-to-spring schedule to align with other top soccer leagues — including MLS.

ESPN reported on Friday that the NWSL’s board of governors is expected to vote on the issue later this month.

Currently, the NWSL season runs from March to November. Top circuits in Europe start in late summer or early fall and end in late spring. MLS is making the transition to that format next season.

The NWSL board previously voted against a calendar shift in 2024, according to ESPN.

Switching calendars, if approved, could take several years to implement, per the report.

A league spokesperson declined to provide a comment to ESPN.

Those in favor of shifting to a fall-to-spring setup argue that there would be less competition for TV viewers for the NWSL playoffs. Those against a change point to the potential safety risks of playing in the league’s many cold-weather markets, including Denver, Boston, Chicago, Seattle and Salt Lake City.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Report #NWSL #nearing #vote #calendar #shift

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Candidates 2026: Discussions with Anand and Pragg helped me, says triumphant Vaishali <div id="content-body-70874514" itemprop="articleBody"><p>There is a certain calmness about R. Vaishali. That is evident in her voice, coming through clearly over the phone from Cyprus, some 5,000 kms away.</p><p>You could also sense some joy in her voice. You would understand if she chose to scream with delight: after all, she became the first Indian to win the Women’s Candidates chess tournament just a couple of days ago and thus qualified for the World title match.</p><p>Vaishali, though, is as collected as ever when she talks about the greatest moment of her career. “Winning the Candidates means a lot to me, as it has been my dream to win the World championship since I was a little girl,” she tells <i>Sportstar</i>. “When Viswanathan Anand sir was given a reception in 2012, after he won the World championship, I was one of the kids sent to the Chennai airport by my school, Velammal. That reception was inspiring.”</p><p>She was 11 then.</p><p>And Anand was there in Cyprus to congratulate her in person. He is her mentor now. She is being trained and sponsored by WestBridge Anand Chess Academy (WACA), which the five-time World champion founded along with Sandeep Singhal.</p><p>“Even before the Candidates, I had discussions with Anand sir, and the suggestions he made proved useful for my games,” says Vaishali. “And yes, I have been discussing chess with my younger brother R. Praggnanadhaa, who was playing the open section of the Candidates here. We even discussed what openings I should play for my last two rounds.”</p><p><b>RELATED | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/chess/vaishali-chess-candidates-2026-champion-coach-rb-ramesh-reaction-hardwork-confidence/article70872252.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Vaishali has worked hard, is confident now: coach Ramesh</a></b></p><p>It was a superb victory in her final-round game against Katerya Lagno that gave Vaishali the title. “I was very happy to see some Sicilian (Defence) on the board,” she smiles. “I didn’t expect her to play this Dragon variation specifically that day. But I had prepared it, of course, before the tournament. Since she had some chances if she won, she was provoked to play that aggressive line.”</p><p>But Vaishali didn’t give her a chance and dominated the game. “I am quite happy with that game, and also with the ones against Divya Deshmukh and Aleksandra Goryachkina,” she says. “I wasn’t pleased with the way I began, however — four draws and then a loss in the fifth round. But after that, I bounced back with successive victories. Yes, it has been a pattern for me: I tend to hit my peak after a low. Here, I wasn’t bothered about the standings at the early stage, as I knew I could come back later, but what worried me was the way I played: I was defending in every game. So I decided to focus on the quality of my games.”</p><p>That certainly helped.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 17, 2026</p></div> #Candidates #Discussions #Anand #Pragg #helped #triumphant #Vaishali

UFC Macau Best Bets and Fight Predictions for May 30 | Deadspin.com  Aug 7, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Song Yadong (red gloves) reacts to fight against Casey Kenney (blue gloves) during UFC 265 at Toyota Center. credits: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports   After a successful visit in November 2024 – which was their first in 10 years – the Octagon will land back in Macau, China, for UFC Macau on May 30.The main event will feature a bantamweight battle between China’s Song Yadong and Deiveson Figueiredo.Yadong has won three of his last five fights; however, he enters this bout off a loss to Sean O’Malley at UFC 324 in January. Figueiredo, meanwhile, is 4-3 since moving up to bantamweight. The former flyweight champion, however, has lost three of his last four, most recently falling to Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 324.The co-main event will feature Zhang Mingyang taking on Alonzo Menifield in light heavyweight action. Mingyang most recently fought in August at UFC Shanghai, losing to Johnny Walker. That loss was Mingyang’s first in the UFC and snapped a 12-fight win streak. Menifield has won five of his last eight but was most recently knocked out by Volkan Oezdemir at UFC Qatar in November.The UFC Macau main card will also feature Sergei Pavlovich vs. Tallison Teixeira, Kai Asakura vs. Cameron Smotherman, Jake Matthews vs. Carlston Harris, and Alex Perez vs. Su Mudaerji.SONG YADONG VS DEIVESON FIGUEIREDOIf there’s one thing to appreciate about Song Yadong, it’s his striking. With his Sanda foundation, Yadong has developed strong kickboxing skills, and he will look to use those to try and pressure Figueiredo into a war. Yadong has some strength to his strikes and has the cardio for a war; however, Figueiredo’s counterstriking can still be dangerous if he’s not careful.Figueiredo’s grappling can be a problem for Yadong if he’s not careful. He’ll have to make use of his takedown defense abilities (a 73% takedown defense rate, per UFC Stats) to avoid giving positioning and control, as well as submission opportunities, to Figueiredo. This should be a fight that lasts either way.BET: Yadong vs. Figueiredo to go the distance (Caesars: +100) Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting ZHANG MINGYANG VS ALONZO MENIFIELDAugust’s UFC Shanghai was supposed to be a coming-out party for Zhang Mingyang, who has proven himself to be a solid up-and-coming contender in the light heavyweight division. Mingyang, however, was finished solidly by Johnny Walker, halting Mingyang’s upward momentum. This fight gives Mingyang the chance to show he’s still got contender potential.Mingyang is the master of the first-round finish. Simply put, if Alonzo Menifield can be defensive and wear Mingyang down over the first round, he’s in a much stronger position to win. At 38 years old, however, it’s hard to imagine Menifield going five full minutes without getting tagged. And it’s hard to imagine Mingyang dropping a pair of consecutive fights, especially if he slugs the way he wants to.BET: Mingyang via KO/TKO in Round 1 (FanDuel: +160)  Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting KAI ASAKURA VS CAMERON SMOTHERMANThere were interesting options for a third best bet. As we’ve seen though, however, heavyweight fights can be volatile to pick, and some of the underdog plays on this card are a little harder to read. So, let’s talk about Kai Asakura.Asakura came into the UFC as a highly promoted talent and former RIZIN champion; however, he hasn’t lived up to the billing thus far. A loss to Alexandre Pantoja in a title fight in your UFC debut? Acceptable. Losing (with all due respect to him) to 39-year-old Tim Elliott in a fight Asaukra was a heavy favorite? Yikes. Now, Asakura moves up to bantamweight, hoping to show that a less drastic weight cut will do wonders for him – and he needs to hope this.Asakura has more experience and a stronger resume than his 12-6 opponent, Cameron Smotherman, who is 1-2 in the UFC. Asakura is the better all-around fighter, so the fight falls on him. The more he avoids a brawl and the better he is defensively, the stronger the chance he goes home with a win. A loss here, however, and it smells like the end of an insanely disappointing UFC run.BET: Asakura to win via KO/TKO OR decision (FanDuel: -240) Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting   #UFC #Macau #Bets #Fight #Predictions #Deadspin.comAug 7, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Song Yadong (red gloves) reacts to fight against Casey Kenney (blue gloves) during UFC 265 at Toyota Center. credits: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

After a successful visit in November 2024 – which was their first in 10 years – the Octagon will land back in Macau, China, for UFC Macau on May 30.

The main event will feature a bantamweight battle between China’s Song Yadong and Deiveson Figueiredo.

Yadong has won three of his last five fights; however, he enters this bout off a loss to Sean O’Malley at UFC 324 in January. Figueiredo, meanwhile, is 4-3 since moving up to bantamweight. The former flyweight champion, however, has lost three of his last four, most recently falling to Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 324.

The co-main event will feature Zhang Mingyang taking on Alonzo Menifield in light heavyweight action. Mingyang most recently fought in August at UFC Shanghai, losing to Johnny Walker. That loss was Mingyang’s first in the UFC and snapped a 12-fight win streak. Menifield has won five of his last eight but was most recently knocked out by Volkan Oezdemir at UFC Qatar in November.

The UFC Macau main card will also feature Sergei Pavlovich vs. Tallison Teixeira, Kai Asakura vs. Cameron Smotherman, Jake Matthews vs. Carlston Harris, and Alex Perez vs. Su Mudaerji.

SONG YADONG VS DEIVESON FIGUEIREDO

If there’s one thing to appreciate about Song Yadong, it’s his striking. With his Sanda foundation, Yadong has developed strong kickboxing skills, and he will look to use those to try and pressure Figueiredo into a war. Yadong has some strength to his strikes and has the cardio for a war; however, Figueiredo’s counterstriking can still be dangerous if he’s not careful.

Figueiredo’s grappling can be a problem for Yadong if he’s not careful. He’ll have to make use of his takedown defense abilities (a 73% takedown defense rate, per UFC Stats) to avoid giving positioning and control, as well as submission opportunities, to Figueiredo. This should be a fight that lasts either way.

BET: Yadong vs. Figueiredo to go the distance (Caesars: +100)

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting


ZHANG MINGYANG VS ALONZO MENIFIELD

August’s UFC Shanghai was supposed to be a coming-out party for Zhang Mingyang, who has proven himself to be a solid up-and-coming contender in the light heavyweight division. Mingyang, however, was finished solidly by Johnny Walker, halting Mingyang’s upward momentum. This fight gives Mingyang the chance to show he’s still got contender potential.

Mingyang is the master of the first-round finish. Simply put, if Alonzo Menifield can be defensive and wear Mingyang down over the first round, he’s in a much stronger position to win. At 38 years old, however, it’s hard to imagine Menifield going five full minutes without getting tagged. And it’s hard to imagine Mingyang dropping a pair of consecutive fights, especially if he slugs the way he wants to.

BET: Mingyang via KO/TKO in Round 1 (FanDuel: +160)

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

KAI ASAKURA VS CAMERON SMOTHERMAN

There were interesting options for a third best bet. As we’ve seen though, however, heavyweight fights can be volatile to pick, and some of the underdog plays on this card are a little harder to read. So, let’s talk about Kai Asakura.

Asakura came into the UFC as a highly promoted talent and former RIZIN champion; however, he hasn’t lived up to the billing thus far. A loss to Alexandre Pantoja in a title fight in your UFC debut? Acceptable. Losing (with all due respect to him) to 39-year-old Tim Elliott in a fight Asaukra was a heavy favorite? Yikes. Now, Asakura moves up to bantamweight, hoping to show that a less drastic weight cut will do wonders for him – and he needs to hope this.

Asakura has more experience and a stronger resume than his 12-6 opponent, Cameron Smotherman, who is 1-2 in the UFC. Asakura is the better all-around fighter, so the fight falls on him. The more he avoids a brawl and the better he is defensively, the stronger the chance he goes home with a win. A loss here, however, and it smells like the end of an insanely disappointing UFC run.

BET: Asakura to win via KO/TKO OR decision (FanDuel: -240)

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

#UFC #Macau #Bets #Fight #Predictions #Deadspin.com">UFC Macau Best Bets and Fight Predictions for May 30 | Deadspin.com  Aug 7, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Song Yadong (red gloves) reacts to fight against Casey Kenney (blue gloves) during UFC 265 at Toyota Center. credits: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports   After a successful visit in November 2024 – which was their first in 10 years – the Octagon will land back in Macau, China, for UFC Macau on May 30.The main event will feature a bantamweight battle between China’s Song Yadong and Deiveson Figueiredo.Yadong has won three of his last five fights; however, he enters this bout off a loss to Sean O’Malley at UFC 324 in January. Figueiredo, meanwhile, is 4-3 since moving up to bantamweight. The former flyweight champion, however, has lost three of his last four, most recently falling to Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 324.The co-main event will feature Zhang Mingyang taking on Alonzo Menifield in light heavyweight action. Mingyang most recently fought in August at UFC Shanghai, losing to Johnny Walker. That loss was Mingyang’s first in the UFC and snapped a 12-fight win streak. Menifield has won five of his last eight but was most recently knocked out by Volkan Oezdemir at UFC Qatar in November.The UFC Macau main card will also feature Sergei Pavlovich vs. Tallison Teixeira, Kai Asakura vs. Cameron Smotherman, Jake Matthews vs. Carlston Harris, and Alex Perez vs. Su Mudaerji.SONG YADONG VS DEIVESON FIGUEIREDOIf there’s one thing to appreciate about Song Yadong, it’s his striking. With his Sanda foundation, Yadong has developed strong kickboxing skills, and he will look to use those to try and pressure Figueiredo into a war. Yadong has some strength to his strikes and has the cardio for a war; however, Figueiredo’s counterstriking can still be dangerous if he’s not careful.Figueiredo’s grappling can be a problem for Yadong if he’s not careful. He’ll have to make use of his takedown defense abilities (a 73% takedown defense rate, per UFC Stats) to avoid giving positioning and control, as well as submission opportunities, to Figueiredo. This should be a fight that lasts either way.BET: Yadong vs. Figueiredo to go the distance (Caesars: +100) Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting ZHANG MINGYANG VS ALONZO MENIFIELDAugust’s UFC Shanghai was supposed to be a coming-out party for Zhang Mingyang, who has proven himself to be a solid up-and-coming contender in the light heavyweight division. Mingyang, however, was finished solidly by Johnny Walker, halting Mingyang’s upward momentum. This fight gives Mingyang the chance to show he’s still got contender potential.Mingyang is the master of the first-round finish. Simply put, if Alonzo Menifield can be defensive and wear Mingyang down over the first round, he’s in a much stronger position to win. At 38 years old, however, it’s hard to imagine Menifield going five full minutes without getting tagged. And it’s hard to imagine Mingyang dropping a pair of consecutive fights, especially if he slugs the way he wants to.BET: Mingyang via KO/TKO in Round 1 (FanDuel: +160)  Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting KAI ASAKURA VS CAMERON SMOTHERMANThere were interesting options for a third best bet. As we’ve seen though, however, heavyweight fights can be volatile to pick, and some of the underdog plays on this card are a little harder to read. So, let’s talk about Kai Asakura.Asakura came into the UFC as a highly promoted talent and former RIZIN champion; however, he hasn’t lived up to the billing thus far. A loss to Alexandre Pantoja in a title fight in your UFC debut? Acceptable. Losing (with all due respect to him) to 39-year-old Tim Elliott in a fight Asaukra was a heavy favorite? Yikes. Now, Asakura moves up to bantamweight, hoping to show that a less drastic weight cut will do wonders for him – and he needs to hope this.Asakura has more experience and a stronger resume than his 12-6 opponent, Cameron Smotherman, who is 1-2 in the UFC. Asakura is the better all-around fighter, so the fight falls on him. The more he avoids a brawl and the better he is defensively, the stronger the chance he goes home with a win. A loss here, however, and it smells like the end of an insanely disappointing UFC run.BET: Asakura to win via KO/TKO OR decision (FanDuel: -240) Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting   #UFC #Macau #Bets #Fight #Predictions #Deadspin.com

loss to Sean O’Malley at UFC 324 in January. Figueiredo, meanwhile, is 4-3 since moving up to bantamweight. The former flyweight champion, however, has lost three of his last four, most recently falling to Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 324.

The co-main event will feature Zhang Mingyang taking on Alonzo Menifield in light heavyweight action. Mingyang most recently fought in August at UFC Shanghai, losing to Johnny Walker. That loss was Mingyang’s first in the UFC and snapped a 12-fight win streak. Menifield has won five of his last eight but was most recently knocked out by Volkan Oezdemir at UFC Qatar in November.

The UFC Macau main card will also feature Sergei Pavlovich vs. Tallison Teixeira, Kai Asakura vs. Cameron Smotherman, Jake Matthews vs. Carlston Harris, and Alex Perez vs. Su Mudaerji.

SONG YADONG VS DEIVESON FIGUEIREDO

If there’s one thing to appreciate about Song Yadong, it’s his striking. With his Sanda foundation, Yadong has developed strong kickboxing skills, and he will look to use those to try and pressure Figueiredo into a war. Yadong has some strength to his strikes and has the cardio for a war; however, Figueiredo’s counterstriking can still be dangerous if he’s not careful.

Figueiredo’s grappling can be a problem for Yadong if he’s not careful. He’ll have to make use of his takedown defense abilities (a 73% takedown defense rate, per UFC Stats) to avoid giving positioning and control, as well as submission opportunities, to Figueiredo. This should be a fight that lasts either way.

BET: Yadong vs. Figueiredo to go the distance (Caesars: +100)

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting


ZHANG MINGYANG VS ALONZO MENIFIELD

August’s UFC Shanghai was supposed to be a coming-out party for Zhang Mingyang, who has proven himself to be a solid up-and-coming contender in the light heavyweight division. Mingyang, however, was finished solidly by Johnny Walker, halting Mingyang’s upward momentum. This fight gives Mingyang the chance to show he’s still got contender potential.

Mingyang is the master of the first-round finish. Simply put, if Alonzo Menifield can be defensive and wear Mingyang down over the first round, he’s in a much stronger position to win. At 38 years old, however, it’s hard to imagine Menifield going five full minutes without getting tagged. And it’s hard to imagine Mingyang dropping a pair of consecutive fights, especially if he slugs the way he wants to.

BET: Mingyang via KO/TKO in Round 1 (FanDuel: +160)

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

KAI ASAKURA VS CAMERON SMOTHERMAN

There were interesting options for a third best bet. As we’ve seen though, however, heavyweight fights can be volatile to pick, and some of the underdog plays on this card are a little harder to read. So, let’s talk about Kai Asakura.

Asakura came into the UFC as a highly promoted talent and former RIZIN champion; however, he hasn’t lived up to the billing thus far. A loss to Alexandre Pantoja in a title fight in your UFC debut? Acceptable. Losing (with all due respect to him) to 39-year-old Tim Elliott in a fight Asaukra was a heavy favorite? Yikes. Now, Asakura moves up to bantamweight, hoping to show that a less drastic weight cut will do wonders for him – and he needs to hope this.

Asakura has more experience and a stronger resume than his 12-6 opponent, Cameron Smotherman, who is 1-2 in the UFC. Asakura is the better all-around fighter, so the fight falls on him. The more he avoids a brawl and the better he is defensively, the stronger the chance he goes home with a win. A loss here, however, and it smells like the end of an insanely disappointing UFC run.

BET: Asakura to win via KO/TKO OR decision (FanDuel: -240)

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

#UFC #Macau #Bets #Fight #Predictions #Deadspin.com">UFC Macau Best Bets and Fight Predictions for May 30 | Deadspin.com
UFC Macau Best Bets and Fight Predictions for May 30 | Deadspin.com  Aug 7, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Song Yadong (red gloves) reacts to fight against Casey Kenney (blue gloves) during UFC 265 at Toyota Center. credits: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports   After a successful visit in November 2024 – which was their first in 10 years – the Octagon will land back in Macau, China, for UFC Macau on May 30.The main event will feature a bantamweight battle between China’s Song Yadong and Deiveson Figueiredo.Yadong has won three of his last five fights; however, he enters this bout off a loss to Sean O’Malley at UFC 324 in January. Figueiredo, meanwhile, is 4-3 since moving up to bantamweight. The former flyweight champion, however, has lost three of his last four, most recently falling to Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 324.The co-main event will feature Zhang Mingyang taking on Alonzo Menifield in light heavyweight action. Mingyang most recently fought in August at UFC Shanghai, losing to Johnny Walker. That loss was Mingyang’s first in the UFC and snapped a 12-fight win streak. Menifield has won five of his last eight but was most recently knocked out by Volkan Oezdemir at UFC Qatar in November.The UFC Macau main card will also feature Sergei Pavlovich vs. Tallison Teixeira, Kai Asakura vs. Cameron Smotherman, Jake Matthews vs. Carlston Harris, and Alex Perez vs. Su Mudaerji.SONG YADONG VS DEIVESON FIGUEIREDOIf there’s one thing to appreciate about Song Yadong, it’s his striking. With his Sanda foundation, Yadong has developed strong kickboxing skills, and he will look to use those to try and pressure Figueiredo into a war. Yadong has some strength to his strikes and has the cardio for a war; however, Figueiredo’s counterstriking can still be dangerous if he’s not careful.Figueiredo’s grappling can be a problem for Yadong if he’s not careful. He’ll have to make use of his takedown defense abilities (a 73% takedown defense rate, per UFC Stats) to avoid giving positioning and control, as well as submission opportunities, to Figueiredo. This should be a fight that lasts either way.BET: Yadong vs. Figueiredo to go the distance (Caesars: +100) Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting ZHANG MINGYANG VS ALONZO MENIFIELDAugust’s UFC Shanghai was supposed to be a coming-out party for Zhang Mingyang, who has proven himself to be a solid up-and-coming contender in the light heavyweight division. Mingyang, however, was finished solidly by Johnny Walker, halting Mingyang’s upward momentum. This fight gives Mingyang the chance to show he’s still got contender potential.Mingyang is the master of the first-round finish. Simply put, if Alonzo Menifield can be defensive and wear Mingyang down over the first round, he’s in a much stronger position to win. At 38 years old, however, it’s hard to imagine Menifield going five full minutes without getting tagged. And it’s hard to imagine Mingyang dropping a pair of consecutive fights, especially if he slugs the way he wants to.BET: Mingyang via KO/TKO in Round 1 (FanDuel: +160)  Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting KAI ASAKURA VS CAMERON SMOTHERMANThere were interesting options for a third best bet. As we’ve seen though, however, heavyweight fights can be volatile to pick, and some of the underdog plays on this card are a little harder to read. So, let’s talk about Kai Asakura.Asakura came into the UFC as a highly promoted talent and former RIZIN champion; however, he hasn’t lived up to the billing thus far. A loss to Alexandre Pantoja in a title fight in your UFC debut? Acceptable. Losing (with all due respect to him) to 39-year-old Tim Elliott in a fight Asaukra was a heavy favorite? Yikes. Now, Asakura moves up to bantamweight, hoping to show that a less drastic weight cut will do wonders for him – and he needs to hope this.Asakura has more experience and a stronger resume than his 12-6 opponent, Cameron Smotherman, who is 1-2 in the UFC. Asakura is the better all-around fighter, so the fight falls on him. The more he avoids a brawl and the better he is defensively, the stronger the chance he goes home with a win. A loss here, however, and it smells like the end of an insanely disappointing UFC run.BET: Asakura to win via KO/TKO OR decision (FanDuel: -240) Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting   #UFC #Macau #Bets #Fight #Predictions #Deadspin.comAug 7, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Song Yadong (red gloves) reacts to fight against Casey Kenney (blue gloves) during UFC 265 at Toyota Center. credits: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

After a successful visit in November 2024 – which was their first in 10 years – the Octagon will land back in Macau, China, for UFC Macau on May 30.

The main event will feature a bantamweight battle between China’s Song Yadong and Deiveson Figueiredo.

Yadong has won three of his last five fights; however, he enters this bout off a loss to Sean O’Malley at UFC 324 in January. Figueiredo, meanwhile, is 4-3 since moving up to bantamweight. The former flyweight champion, however, has lost three of his last four, most recently falling to Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 324.

The co-main event will feature Zhang Mingyang taking on Alonzo Menifield in light heavyweight action. Mingyang most recently fought in August at UFC Shanghai, losing to Johnny Walker. That loss was Mingyang’s first in the UFC and snapped a 12-fight win streak. Menifield has won five of his last eight but was most recently knocked out by Volkan Oezdemir at UFC Qatar in November.

The UFC Macau main card will also feature Sergei Pavlovich vs. Tallison Teixeira, Kai Asakura vs. Cameron Smotherman, Jake Matthews vs. Carlston Harris, and Alex Perez vs. Su Mudaerji.

SONG YADONG VS DEIVESON FIGUEIREDO

If there’s one thing to appreciate about Song Yadong, it’s his striking. With his Sanda foundation, Yadong has developed strong kickboxing skills, and he will look to use those to try and pressure Figueiredo into a war. Yadong has some strength to his strikes and has the cardio for a war; however, Figueiredo’s counterstriking can still be dangerous if he’s not careful.

Figueiredo’s grappling can be a problem for Yadong if he’s not careful. He’ll have to make use of his takedown defense abilities (a 73% takedown defense rate, per UFC Stats) to avoid giving positioning and control, as well as submission opportunities, to Figueiredo. This should be a fight that lasts either way.

BET: Yadong vs. Figueiredo to go the distance (Caesars: +100)

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ZHANG MINGYANG VS ALONZO MENIFIELD

August’s UFC Shanghai was supposed to be a coming-out party for Zhang Mingyang, who has proven himself to be a solid up-and-coming contender in the light heavyweight division. Mingyang, however, was finished solidly by Johnny Walker, halting Mingyang’s upward momentum. This fight gives Mingyang the chance to show he’s still got contender potential.

Mingyang is the master of the first-round finish. Simply put, if Alonzo Menifield can be defensive and wear Mingyang down over the first round, he’s in a much stronger position to win. At 38 years old, however, it’s hard to imagine Menifield going five full minutes without getting tagged. And it’s hard to imagine Mingyang dropping a pair of consecutive fights, especially if he slugs the way he wants to.

BET: Mingyang via KO/TKO in Round 1 (FanDuel: +160)

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KAI ASAKURA VS CAMERON SMOTHERMAN

There were interesting options for a third best bet. As we’ve seen though, however, heavyweight fights can be volatile to pick, and some of the underdog plays on this card are a little harder to read. So, let’s talk about Kai Asakura.

Asakura came into the UFC as a highly promoted talent and former RIZIN champion; however, he hasn’t lived up to the billing thus far. A loss to Alexandre Pantoja in a title fight in your UFC debut? Acceptable. Losing (with all due respect to him) to 39-year-old Tim Elliott in a fight Asaukra was a heavy favorite? Yikes. Now, Asakura moves up to bantamweight, hoping to show that a less drastic weight cut will do wonders for him – and he needs to hope this.

Asakura has more experience and a stronger resume than his 12-6 opponent, Cameron Smotherman, who is 1-2 in the UFC. Asakura is the better all-around fighter, so the fight falls on him. The more he avoids a brawl and the better he is defensively, the stronger the chance he goes home with a win. A loss here, however, and it smells like the end of an insanely disappointing UFC run.

BET: Asakura to win via KO/TKO OR decision (FanDuel: -240)

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