Former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo made a significant impact in the bantamweight division on Saturday at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi. By outpointing Marlon "Chito" Vera in a closely contested match, Figueiredo improved his bantamweight record to a remarkable 3-0. The judges' scores read 29-28 (twice) and 30-27 in favor of Figueiredo, confirming his dominance in the fight.
Figueiredo's route to victory was paved with his signature pinpoint striking and timely takedowns, skills nurtured under the guidance of his trainer, Eric Albarracin. From the onset, Figueiredo successfully limited Vera's output, particularly in the first half of the match. After absorbing a flying knee in Round 1, Figueiredo demonstrated his resilience by taking Vera down, setting the tone for the rounds to follow.
Key Moments in the Fight
In Round 2, Figueiredo utilized body punches and strategic circling to frustrate Vera further, meticulously breaking down his opponent's defenses. Vera, ranked No. 4 by the UFC coming into the fight, needed a win after slipping into a recent slump. However, he struggled to find his rhythm against Figueiredo’s calculated approach.
Vera showed a resurgence in Round 3 with potent body shots and sharp elbows. But Figueiredo’s quick reflexes and precision shone through when he dropped Vera with a counter right hand late in the round, securing his path to victory.
Elevating in the Ranks
Figueiredo’s triumph over Vera, who had previously lost to Sean O'Malley in March, only enhances his reputation in the bantamweight division. Coming into the fight ranked No. 6, Figueiredo's latest victory stands as a testament to his immediate success since transitioning from flyweight, where he concluded a notable rivalry with Brandon Moreno earlier this year.
With this win, Figueiredo positions himself even higher in the bantamweight ranks, making a compelling case for a title shot. His victories over seasoned fighters such as Rob Font and Cody Garbrandt further bolster his claim as a formidable contender in this weight class.
Marlon Vera’s Challenge
For Marlon Vera, the latest defeat marks his second consecutive loss and his third in the last four fights. Despite a strong showing in Round 3, it was clear that Figueiredo's strategic prowess and precision punching were too much for Vera to overcome. The Ecuadorian fighter now faces a challenging road ahead as he looks to regain his footing in the highly competitive bantamweight landscape.
Figueiredo’s Call for the Title
In the post-fight octagon interview, Figueiredo did not hold back on his ambitions. "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. His words underscore the confidence and readiness he feels to challenge for the championship belt.
Figueiredo’s journey from flyweight champion to a bantamweight contender illustrates his versatility and skill as a martial artist. The win in Abu Dhabi not only adds another impressive victory to his bantamweight record but also brings him closer to the ultimate goal of securing another UFC title. As fans and analysts alike eagerly look forward to his next move, one thing is certain: Deiveson Figueiredo is a name to watch in the bantamweight division.