Former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo has solidified his place as a serious contender in the bantamweight division. This past Saturday, at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, Figueiredo improved his bantamweight record to an impressive 3-0 with a decisive victory over Marlon "Chito" Vera.
Analyzing the Fight
In a closely contested match, Figueiredo's precision striking and timely takedowns earned him the judges' nod, with scores of 29-28 (twice) and 30-27. His victory over Vera, who came into the fight ranked No. 4 by the UFC, showcases Figueiredo's immediate success and adaptability in a higher weight class.
The bout was a tactical one, with Figueiredo setting the pace early on. Throughout the first half of the fight, he effectively limited Vera's output and took him down following a flying knee in the opening round. In the second round, Figueiredo's strategy of using body punches and efficient circling visibly frustrated Vera, disrupting his rhythm and reducing his aggression.
Key Moments
Despite Vera’s strong start in Round 3, where he landed crucial body shots and sharp elbows, Figueiredo's resilience shone through. Late in the third round, Figueiredo dropped Vera with a counter right hand, a significant moment that swung the momentum fully in his favor. This perfectly timed strike exemplified Figueiredo's known strength for pinpoint accuracy and tactical responses in critical situations.
Figueiredo's success is not just an individual effort but also a testament to his teamwork with trainer Eric Albarracin. Their collaboration has clearly paid off, positioning Figueiredo as a rising force in the bantamweight ranks.
Context and Implications
With this win, Figueiredo's achievements in the bantamweight division are becoming difficult to overlook. Prior to his victory over Vera, Figueiredo had already defeated notable fighters like Rob Font and Cody Garbrandt. Ranked No. 6 before this fight, this latest triumph certainly raises his standing, increasing the likelihood of a title shot in the near future.
Meanwhile, for Marlon Vera, the defeat marks his second consecutive loss and his third in his last four fights. His previous defeat was at the hands of Sean O'Malley in March, and this latest setback adds pressure as he seeks to rebound from this slump.
Figueiredo’s Call-Out
The aftermath of the fight saw a determined Figueiredo 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. This call-out underscores Figueiredo's readiness to face the top-tier competitors in the division and his ultimate goal of claiming the bantamweight title.
The journey for Figueiredo has been marked by significant milestones, including his conclusion of a rivalry with Brandon Moreno at flyweight earlier this year. His rapid rise in the bantamweight division indicates that his career trajectory is on an impressive upward curve.
In reflection, Figueiredo's transition to bantamweight has been nothing short of phenomenal. With each fight, he continues to showcase remarkable skills and a strategic mindset, earning respect and admiration within the MMA community. As the landscape of the bantamweight division evolves, all eyes will be on Figueiredo to see if he can secure and conquer a title challenge in his new weight class.