Former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo made a compelling case for a title shot in the bantamweight division after a hard-fought victory over Marlon "Chito" Vera at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi. The Brazilian fighter improved his bantamweight record to an impressive 3-0, showcasing the striking precision and grappling prowess that make him a formidable competitor in his new weight class.
A Masterful Performance
Figueiredo's victory over Vera was anything but easy. The judges scored the bout 29-28 twice and 30-27 in favor of the former flyweight champion. This performance marked another milestone in Figueiredo's transition to bantamweight, a journey guided meticulously by his trainer, Eric Albarracin.
Throughout the bout, Figueiredo displayed his characteristic pinpoint striking and well-timed takedowns. From the outset, he limited Vera's output, forcing his opponent to fight a cautious fight. Vera, who came into the match ranked No. 4 by the UFC, needed a victory to break out of a recent slump. Still, Figueiredo was relentless in his approach, refusing to give Vera any room to capitalize.
Key Moments
The early stages of the fight saw Figueiredo taking Vera down after absorbing a flying knee in Round 1. This defensive maneuver set the tone for the rest of the fight. In Round 2, Figueiredo frustrated Vera with body punches and strategic circling. By the final round, Figueiredo's game plan was evident; he aimed to dismantle Vera systematically.
However, Vera did not go down without a fight. Round 3 saw Vera starting strong with body shots and sharp elbows. But Figueiredo responded with a decisive counter right hand that dropped Vera late in the round, sealing his victory.
Impact on Rankings
Figueiredo's win inevitably propels him further up the bantamweight ranks. He was ranked No. 6 before facing Vera and now stands in an even stronger position to challenge the division's elite. With notable victories over fighters like Rob Font and Cody Garbrandt already under his belt, Figueiredo's immediate success in the bantamweight division has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Challenges for Vera
For Marlon Vera, this loss marks his second consecutive defeat and his third loss in four fights. Previously, Vera suffered a setback against Sean O'Malley in March, and the fight against Figueiredo was seen as an opportunity to get back on track. Unfortunately for Vera, Figueiredo's skillset proved too much to overcome, emphasizing the challenges he faces in this highly competitive division.
The Next Steps
Deiveson Figueiredo left no doubt about his ambitions following the fight. "Hey Dana, I beat this guy tonight. Merab-O'Malley, I want to be next. I want to fight for the title next," he declared with evident determination. This clear call-out for a title shot puts UFC President Dana White and matchmakers on notice, as Figueiredo's rapid rise through the bantamweight rankings makes him a compelling candidate for a title fight.
Figueiredo's transition from flyweight to bantamweight has been seamless, a testament to his adaptability and fighting prowess. Earlier in 2023, he concluded a rivalry with Brandon Moreno at flyweight, and his success since moving up in weight shows his skill set is evolving alongside his career. With each victory, Figueiredo strengthens his claim for a title challenge, making the prospect of a showdown with the top contenders in the division more exciting than ever.
As the UFC looks forward, Figueiredo's meteoric rise continues to captivate MMA fans. His blend of striking accuracy, wrestling acumen, and strategic brilliance make him a force to be reckoned with. Whether he gets his wish for a title shot next or must face another top contender first, one thing is clear: Deiveson Figueiredo is on a mission to dominate the bantamweight division.