Former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo is making waves in the bantamweight division, proving his dominance with a compelling victory over Marlon "Chito" Vera at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi. Bolstered by his splendid performance, Figueiredo's bantamweight record now stands at an impressive 3-0.
Another Victory in Abu Dhabi
The fight against Vera was closely contested, capturing the audience's attention from start to finish. The judges scored the bout 29-28 (twice) and 30-27 in Figueiredo’s favor, highlighting his tactical prowess.
Figueiredo showcased his trademark pinpoint striking and timely takedowns, elements of his fight style that have kept him at the forefront of mixed martial arts. His counter right hand, which dropped Vera late in Round 3, was a testament to his striking accuracy and sharp reflexes.
Guided by trainer Eric Albarracin, Figueiredo efficiently managed to limit Vera's output during the first half of the fight. His strategy of absorbing a flying knee in Round 1 and immediately responding with a takedown exemplified his resilience and tactical acumen.
Strategic Mastery
In Round 2, Figueiredo employed body punches and effective circling to frustrate Vera, who was ranked No. 4 by the UFC coming into the fight. Despite Vera’s strong start in the final round, marked by body shots and sharp elbows, it wasn't enough to take control of the match.
Vera, needing a win after a recent slump, had previously lost three of his last four fights. His loss to Figueiredo now marks his second consecutive defeat, following a previous loss to Sean O'Malley in March. For Vera, this might signify a need to reassess and recalibrate his approach in the octagon.
Climbing the Ranks
Figueiredo's journey in the bantamweight division has been nothing short of astounding. With victories over Rob Font and Cody Garbrandt, he was ranked No. 6 before the fight against Vera. The win lifts him further up the ranks, positioning him as a significant contender.
After concluding a fierce rivalry with Brandon Moreno at flyweight earlier in 2023, Figueiredo transitioned to bantamweight and has since seen immediate success. His recent triumph against Vera underscores his capability to excel across weight divisions.
Title Ambitions
Post-fight, Figueiredo didn't shy away from making his aspirations clear. "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, signaling his intent to challenge for the bantamweight title soon.
As Figueiredo continues to build upon his commendable 3-0 bantamweight record, the MMA community will undoubtedly be watching closely to see if his call for a title shot is answered. A future bout against top contenders like Merab or Sean O'Malley holds the potential for high-stakes excitement in the UFC.
The UFC bantamweight division has gained a formidable contender in Deiveson Figueiredo, whose seamless crossover from flyweight contender to bantamweight success story demonstrates his versatility and skill. With his eyes set on the title, Figueiredo's journey promises to be a riveting chapter in the world of mixed martial arts.