Former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo continues to build his legacy, this time in the bantamweight division. On Saturday at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, Figueiredo managed to secure another significant victory, improving his bantamweight record to an impressive 3-0. In a closely contested matchup, he outpointed Marlon 'Chito' Vera, a fighter ranked No. 4 by the UFC coming into the bout. The judges scored the fight 29-28 twice and 30-27 in favor of Figueiredo, underlining his dominance.
An Engaging Contest
The fight itself was a thrilling display of skill and strategy. Figueiredo, known for his pinpoint striking and timely takedowns, effectively limited Vera's output throughout the first half of the fight. After absorbing a flying knee in Round 1, Figueiredo quickly took Vera down, neutralizing his aggressive start. In Round 2, his body punches and consistent circling tactics frustrated Vera, who struggled to find his rhythm.
Round 3 began with Vera showing a spark of resurgence, launching strong body shots and sharp elbows. However, Figueiredo’s experience and determination paid off as he dropped Vera with a counter right hand late in the round, solidifying his control over the contest.
Figueiredo's Rise in the Bantamweight Division
Guided by his trainer Eric Albarracin, Figueiredo’s transition from flyweight to bantamweight has been seamless and highly successful. Before the fight against Vera, he held victories over notable fighters like Rob Font and Cody Garbrandt, which already established his presence in the division. Ranked No. 6 before this bout, his latest win over Vera only elevates his standing further, positioning him as a top contender.
After the fight, Figueiredo made his intentions 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 statement reflects his confidence and ambition to claim the bantamweight title, a goal that seems within reach given his recent performances.
The Struggles of Marlon Vera
For Marlon Vera, this loss marks his second consecutive defeat and the third in his last four fights. Coming into the fight, Vera was seeking redemption after a recent slump. He previously lost to Sean O'Malley in March, and this latest defeat against Figueiredo further complicates his path forward in the bantamweight rankings.
Despite a strong start in Round 3 against Figueiredo, Vera couldn’t maintain the momentum needed to secure a win. His recent performances have been inconsistent, and this fight showcased the difficulties he faces against top-tier opponents. Vera’s ranking and strategy will need a reassessment as he looks to recover from this streak of setbacks.
Immediate Success and Future Prospects
Deiveson Figueiredo concluded a high-profile rivalry with Brandon Moreno at flyweight earlier in 2023, and he has since found immediate success in the bantamweight domain. His ability to adapt and excel in a new weight class speaks volumes about his versatility and skill as a fighter. With his focused mindset and strategic prowess, Figueiredo has swiftly become a significant threat in the bantamweight division.
The victory over Vera has not only bolstered Figueiredo's record but has also set the stage for potential high-stakes matches in the near future. His callout to UFC President Dana White for a title fight against the likes of Merab Dvalishvili or Sean O'Malley indicates that Figueiredo is ready to challenge the best and climb to the pinnacle of the division.
As the bantamweight division continues to heat up, all eyes will be on Figueiredo to see if he can maintain his impressive trajectory and achieve his championship aspirations.