Former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo continues to impress in his newfound bantamweight division role. On Saturday at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, Figueiredo further solidified his credentials by improving his bantamweight record to a noteworthy 3-0. His latest triumph came against Marlon "Chito" Vera, a closely contested match that showcased his tactical precision and fighting prowess.
Figueiredo's Tactical Mastery
The judges scored the bout 29-28 twice and 30-27 in favor of Figueiredo, a testament to his ability to control the pace and dynamics of the fight. Known for his pinpoint striking and timely takedowns, Figueiredo executed a strategy that effectively neutralized Vera's offensive capabilities. Over the first half of the fight, he limited Vera's output, maintaining a strategic distance and seizing opportune moments to strike.
Figueiredo's trainer, Eric Albarracin, has evidently fine-tuned his athlete's skills, allowing him to adapt seamlessly to a division known for its competitiveness and depth. This adaptability was on full display throughout the fight, especially during a critical moment in the third round when Figueiredo dropped Vera with a counter right hand.
The Battle Unfolds
Vera, who was ranked No. 4 by the UFC coming into the fight, had a strong start in the third round with body shots and sharp elbows seemingly shifting the momentum. However, Figueiredo's resilience and tactical acumen turned the tide. After absorbing a flying knee in Round 1, Figueiredo took Vera down, showcasing his defensive skills. By Round 2, Figueiredo's body punches and movement frustrated Vera, disrupting his rhythm and preventing him from mounting a sustained offense.
This loss marks Vera's second consecutive defeat and the third in his last four fights. Coming into this fight, Vera needed a win to break out of his recent slump, having previously lost to Sean O'Malley in March. The defeat to Figueiredo therefore extends his struggles and raises questions about his immediate future in the division.
Figueiredo’s Trajectory
For Figueiredo, the victory over Vera is yet another step up the ladder in the competitive bantamweight division. He was ranked No. 6 before the fight, and this win against a top-tier opponent like Vera will undoubtedly elevate his standing further. Prior to this, Figueiredo already had significant bantamweight victories over fighters like Rob Font and Cody Garbrandt.
The bout against Vera also puts an exclamation point on Figueiredo's recent transition from the flyweight division, where he concluded a riveting rivalry with Brandon Moreno earlier in 2023. His immediate success in the bantamweight category underscores his versatility and potential for a title shot.
Calling for a Title Shot
Figueiredo's ambition was clear as he addressed UFC President Dana White post-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 call-out demonstrates Figueiredo's readiness to take on the highest echelons of the division and solidify his legacy as a dual-division threat.
Guided by the experienced Eric Albarracin, Figueiredo's progress in the bantamweight division has been nothing short of spectacular. His blend of aggressive striking, strategic takedowns, and mental toughness makes him a formidable contender for the title. As he continues to climb the ranks, the MMA community will undoubtedly keep a close watch on his journey.