Deiveson Figueiredo: From Flyweight Champion to Bantamweight Contender
Deiveson Figueiredo, the former UFC flyweight champion, continues his successful transition to the bantamweight division. At UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, Figueiredo showcased his refined skills and tactical prowess to improve his bantamweight record to an impressive 3-0. The Brazilian fighter faced a formidable opponent in Marlon "Chito" Vera, a closely matched adversary ranked No. 4 by the UFC going into the bout.
In a fight that displayed the high-level striking and grappling that fans have come to expect from Figueiredo, he managed to outpoint Vera, earning a unanimous decision victory with judges’ scores of 29-28 (twice) and 30-27. Despite a strong start from Vera in Round 3, where the Ecuadorian fighter landed body shots and sharp elbows, it was Figueiredo's counter right hand late in the round that decisively tilted the momentum in his favor.
Guided by the astute training of Eric Albarracin, Figueiredo executed a game plan that leveraged his pinpoint striking and timely takedowns. Early in the fight, he demonstrated his versatility by taking Vera down after absorbing a flying knee in Round 1. Throughout Round 2, Figueiredo masterfully used body punches and kept circling his opponent to cut off Vera's offensive output, leaving Vera frustrated and struggling to find his rhythm.
Vital Win Propels Figueiredo Up the Ranks
Before this fight, Figueiredo was ranked No. 6 in the bantamweight division, but his victory over Vera is expected to elevate his standing further. Figueiredo’s success in the bantamweight division has been nearly immediate, building on significant wins, including those over Rob Font and Cody Garbrandt. In the aftermath of his win, Figueiredo wasted no time in making his future ambitions clear when he stated emphatically, "Hey Dana, I beat this guy tonight. Merab-O'Malley, I want to be next. I want to fight for the title next."
Such a callout indicates Figueiredo’s readiness to contend with the division’s elite, pushing for a title shot he believes he's earned. His performance in Abu Dhabi was evidence of a fighter who has successfully adapted to a new weight class without losing any of the attributes that made him a champion at flyweight.
Challenges for Marlon Vera
For Marlon Vera, the defeat marks his second consecutive loss, a stat that accentuates the difficulties he’s faced recently. Vera has now lost three of his last four fights, underscoring the urgency for him to reassess his approach and reclaim his prowess in the octagon. Ranked No. 4 prior to the bout, Vera needed a victory to break out of his slump, especially after a prior defeat to Sean O'Malley in March. Despite demonstrating toughness and the ability to mount a significant offense, Vera’s efforts were constrained by Figueiredo’s strategic mastery.
Figueiredo’s Journey Through Divisions
Figueiredo’s storyline is not just one of adaptation but of continuous improvement and competition at the highest levels. Having concluded a fierce rivalry with Brandon Moreno earlier in 2023 at flyweight, Figueiredo's decision to move up to bantamweight has paid off handsomely. His victories and performances in this higher weight class indeed reflect his comprehensive fighting capabilities – from his sharp striking and ability to move tactically around the ring to executing crucial takedowns at pivotal moments.
As Figueiredo sets his sights on a title shot, the bantamweight division must now be prepared for his inexorable rise. His track record in both flyweight and bantamweight categories speaks volumes about his adaptability, resilience, and hunger for championship gold.