Figueiredo Shines in Bantamweight Showdown Against Vera at UFC Fight Night
Former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo has firmly established himself as a force in the bantamweight division. With a stellar performance on Saturday at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, Figueiredo improved his bantamweight record to an impressive 3-0. The Brazilian fighter showed remarkable composure and skill to outpoint Marlon "Chito" Vera in a closely contested match.
Aside from raw talent, Figueiredo's strategic prowess was evident throughout the bout. The judges scored the fight 29-28 (twice) and 30-27 in favor of Figueiredo, reflecting his dominance in crucial moments. Known for his pinpoint striking and timely takedowns, Figueiredo displayed these strengths to full effect, keeping his opponent consistently on the defensive.
The bout's momentum fluctuated, yet Figueiredo's tactical adjustments shone through. Trainer Eric Albarracin’s guidance played a pivotal role, enabling Figueiredo to seize the upper hand in the first two rounds. Vera, ranked No. 4 by the UFC ahead of this fight, faced a determined adversary who managed to limit his output significantly during the initial half of the contest.
Round-by-Round Action
Figueiredo's resilience was particularly notable in the first round. After absorbing a flying knee from Vera, he showcased his wrestling acumen by taking Vera down, shifting the dynamic of the fight. Round 2 saw Figueiredo utilizing body punches and effective circling, a strategy that visibly frustrated Vera, preventing him from finding his rhythm.
The third round started on a high note for Vera, who landed a series of body shots and sharp elbows. However, Figueiredo turned the tide once again, dropping Vera with a counter right hand. This pivotal moment likely sealed the victory for Figueiredo, solidifying his dominance in the judges' eyes.
Record and Rankings
Before this bout, Figueiredo was ranked No. 6 in the bantamweight division, with notable victories over Rob Font and Cody Garbrandt already under his belt. The win against Vera not only enhances his reputation but also propels him higher in the bantamweight rankings. For Vera, the loss marked his second consecutive defeat, having previously lost to Sean O'Malley in March, and his third setback in his last four fights.
Figueiredo’s immediate success in the bantamweight division has been remarkable. Just earlier this year, he concluded a storied rivalry with Brandon Moreno at flyweight, making his seamless transition to a higher weight class even more impressive. With this victory, Figueiredo strengthens his position as a top contender in the bantamweight division and sets his sights on even greater challenges.
Call for a Title Shot
Confidence radiated from Figueiredo following his victory. He did not hesitate to call out the UFC hierarchy for a title shot. "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 assertive challenge underscores Figueiredo's ambition and readiness to tackle the division's elite.
Figueiredo’s aspirations for a title shot are backed by his outstanding performances. With each victory, he solidifies his claim as a legitimate contender in the bantamweight ranks. Under Albarracin's expert training, Figueiredo has not only retained but also refined the skills that made him a champion at flyweight.
As Figueiredo eyes the division's top fighters, the bantamweight category promises to deliver enthralling matchups. Whether it’s a clash against Merab Dvalishvili or the charismatic champion Sean O'Malley, fans are assured of high-octane action. Figueiredo's journey in the bantamweight division is one to watch, as he continues to build his legacy in the UFC.