Former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo continues to solidify his presence in the bantamweight division with another impressive victory. On Saturday, at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, Figueiredo showcased his skill and determination by outpointing Marlon "Chito" Vera, improving his bantamweight record to a spotless 3-0.
The match was highly contested, with Figueiredo ultimately securing the win through a unanimous decision. The judges' scores reflected the competitive nature of the fight, coming in at 29-28 (twice) and 30-27 in favor of Figueiredo. His pinpoint striking and timely takedowns were instrumental in his victory.
Strategic Mastery and Key Moments
Guided by trainer Eric Albarracin, Figueiredo entered the octagon with a clear game plan. Early in the fight, he limited Vera's offensive output, setting a controlled pace. The first round saw a pivotal moment when Figueiredo absorbed a flying knee but countered by taking Vera down, demonstrating his resilience and tactical acumen.
In the second round, Figueiredo continued to frustrate Vera with effective body punches and strategic circling, preventing Vera from finding his rhythm. However, it was in the third round that the fight reached a turning point. Vera launched a strong offensive, landing body shots and sharp elbows, but Figueiredo responded emphatically, dropping Vera with a precise counter right hand late in the round.
Impact on Rankings and Future Aspirations
Before this bout, Figueiredo was ranked No. 6 in the bantamweight division, while Vera stood at No. 4. The victory over Vera not only marks Figueiredo's continued success since moving up from flyweight but also enhances his standing in the bantamweight ranks. Figueiredo has now claimed victories over notable names such as Rob Font and Cody Garbrandt.
Figueiredo's immediate triumphs in the bantamweight division have caught the attention of fans and analysts alike, as he aims for higher accolades. Following his win, Figueiredo made his intentions clear, exclaiming, "Hey Dana, I beat this guy tonight. Merab-O'Malley, I want to be next. I want to fight for the title next," directly challenging UFC President Dana White and positioning himself for a title shot.
Vera's Struggles Continue
For Marlon Vera, the loss in Abu Dhabi signifies his second consecutive defeat and adds to a challenging period in his career, with three losses in his last four fights. Before facing Figueiredo, Vera had experienced a setback in March against Sean O'Malley. Entering the fight in need of a win, Vera's effort fell short despite moments of promise, particularly at the start of the third round.
A New Chapter for Figueiredo
Deiveson Figueiredo's move to the bantamweight division follows the conclusion of his rivalry with Brandon Moreno at flyweight earlier in 2023. Since making the transition, Figueiredo has displayed remarkable adaptability and vigor, confirming that his skills translate effectively across weight classes.
With his career trajectory climbing ever higher, Figueiredo's sights are set firmly on the bantamweight title. His latest victory, underscored by his determined post-fight challenge, leaves little doubt that he is a formidable contender aspiring to reach the pinnacle of the division.
As the bantamweight landscape evolves, Deiveson Figueiredo's name continues to emerge prominently. Fans and competitors alike will be watching closely to see if his journey culminates in a championship victory, solidifying his legacy across multiple weight divisions.