Deiveson Figueiredo's Bantamweight Ascent Continues with Victory in Abu Dhabi
Deiveson Figueiredo, the former UFC flyweight champion, is solidifying his presence in the bantamweight division. On Saturday at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, Figueiredo improved his bantamweight record to an impressive 3-0, outpointing Marlon "Chito" Vera in a closely contested match.
The judges scored the bout 29-28, 29-28, and 30-27 in favor of Figueiredo, who once again showcased his renowned precision striking and timely takedowns to secure the victory. Guided by trainer Eric Albarracin, Figueiredo's technical prowess was on full display throughout the fight.
Precise Striking and Tactical Execution
The early rounds saw Figueiredo masterfully limiting Vera's offensive output. After absorbing a flying knee in Round 1, Figueiredo swiftly took Vera down, setting the tone for the remainder of the fight. By Round 2, Figueiredo's body punches and strategic circling began to frustrate his opponent.
In the third round, Vera made a strong push, starting with effective body shots and sharp elbows. However, Figueiredo responded with a pinpoint counter right hand that sent Vera crashing to the mat, cementing his control of the match.
Figueiredo's tactical approach contrasted with Vera's aggressive style, and it paid dividends as he managed to limit Vera's typically high output, particularly in the first half of the fight. The win is a significant milestone for Figueiredo, propelling him further up the bantamweight ranks.
Implications for the Bantamweight Division
Coming into the fight, Vera was ranked No. 4 by the UFC, while Figueiredo held the No. 6 spot. The victory not only elevates Figueiredo's ranking but also deals a heavy blow to Vera, who is now facing his second consecutive defeat. Vera has lost three of his last four fights, a streak that includes a previous defeat to Sean O'Malley in March.
Figueiredo, who concluded his rivalry with Brandon Moreno at flyweight earlier in 2023, has found immediate success in the bantamweight division. With victories over Rob Font and Cody Garbrandt already under his belt, the win over Vera adds another notable name to his resume.
Eyes on the Title
With evident determination, Figueiredo made his aspirations clear 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, signaling his intent to challenge for the bantamweight title soon.
The call-out highlights Figueiredo's ambition to climb to the pinnacle of the bantamweight division, targeting the likes of Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O'Malley as potential future opponents. His performance against Vera proves he is a formidable contender and ready for higher-stakes matchups.
Vera, meanwhile, finds himself at a crossroads. Once considered a strong title contender, he now faces an uphill battle to regain his footing in the division. The loss to Figueiredo underscores the challenges Vera has faced in recent bouts and his need to reevaluate and adapt moving forward.
Conclusion
As Figueiredo continues to navigate his journey in the bantamweight division, his latest victory solidifies his position as a top contender. His strategic fighting style, combined with his knockout power, makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division. With eyes set on the title, fans can expect more thrilling performances from Figueiredo as he inches closer to his championship aspirations.