In the world of mixed martial arts, adapting to different weight divisions is often a huge gamble, but former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo appears to have struck gold. On Saturday at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, Figueiredo extended his burgeoning bantamweight record to an impeccable 3-0. The Brazilian fighter showcased his skill set by outpointing Marlon "Chito" Vera in a closely contested bout, underlining his burgeoning status in the division.
Masterclass in Technique
The judges' scorecards read 29-28 (twice) and 30-27, all favoring Figueiredo, reflecting his masterful performance against the higher-ranked Vera. Known for his pinpoint striking and timely takedowns, Figueiredo displayed both in spades. In a bout that had fans at the edge of their seats, the Brazilian managed to limit Vera's output for significant portions of the fight, showcasing superior octagon control.
Guided by his trainer Eric Albarracin, Figueiredo looked composed and strategic, particularly in the first two rounds. After absorbing a flying knee from Vera in Round 1, he took the Ecuadorian down, setting the tone for a disciplined and calculated approach. Round 2 saw Figueiredo employ body punches and adept circling to frustrate Vera, who needed a win desperately after recent setbacks.
The Decisive Moment
Round 3 brought out the fierceness in both fighters, but it was Figueiredo's counter right hand that ended up dropping Vera late in the round, a moment that likely sealed the victory in the eyes of the judges. Although Vera started the round strong with body shots and sharp elbows, Figueiredo was relentless in his counterattacks.
Vera, who came into the fight ranked No. 4 by the UFC, was looking to shake off a recent slump. However, the loss marks his second consecutive defeat and his third in the last four fights, adding to his woes following a defeat to Sean O'Malley in March.
Figueiredo's Rising Star
In contrast, Figueiredo's transition from flyweight to bantamweight has been nothing short of remarkable. After concluding a rivalry with Brandon Moreno at flyweight earlier this year, Figueiredo has wasted no time making his mark in a deeper, more competitive weight class. With prior victories over Rob Font and Cody Garbrandt, Figueiredo was ranked No. 6 before his bout against Vera, but this latest win is poised to elevate him even higher in the rankings.
Figueiredo's performance was a testament to his evolving skill set and adaptability, elements that are crucial for excelling in multiple weight divisions. The win over a formidable opponent like Vera has cemented his status as a true contender in the bantamweight division.
Title Aspirations
His ambitions are clear. "Hey Dana, I beat this guy tonight. Merab-O'Malley, I want to be next. I want to fight for the title next," declared Figueiredo with evident determination during his post-fight interview. With the bantamweight division currently one of the UFC's most intriguing landscapes, a title shot may not be far-fetched for the resolute Brazilian.
In the unpredictable world of UFC, few fighters have managed to transition seamlessly between weight classes and still perform at a championship level. Deiveson Figueiredo appears to be one of those rare athletes. With his undefeated record in the bantamweight division and a strong win against a top-5 opponent, the sky's the limit for the former flyweight king. As he sets his sights on a title fight, the UFC world will undoubtedly be watching closely to see what he does next.