Figueiredo Shines in Bantamweight Victory
On a high-stakes Saturday at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo showcased his relentless pursuit of excellence in the bantamweight division. Figueiredo faced Marlon "Chito" Vera in a closely contested bout that demonstrated his exceptional skills and tactical prowess, ultimately improving his bantamweight record to a perfect 3-0.
Figueiredo delivered an impressive performance, outpointing Vera in a fight that left fans at the edge of their seats. The judges scored the match 29-28 twice and 30-27, reflecting the competitive nature of the encounter. The victory over Vera, who was ranked No. 4 by the UFC coming into the fight, is a significant milestone for Figueiredo, affirming his rapid ascent in the bantamweight ranks.
From the onset, Figueiredo's strategy was clear—pinpoint striking and timely takedowns. In Round 1, despite absorbing a flying knee from Vera, Figueiredo quickly regained control, taking Vera down and limiting his offense. This pattern continued in Round 2, where Figueiredo used body punches and constant movement to frustrate Vera, preventing him from finding his rhythm.
Vera, who needed a win to break out of a recent slump, showed flashes of brilliance, especially in Round 3. He started strong with body shots and sharp elbows, momentarily shifting the momentum. However, Figueiredo's resilience and tactical acumen came to the fore once again. Late in the third round, he sent Vera to the canvas with a well-timed counter right hand, cementing his victory.
Guided by trainer Eric Albarracin, Figueiredo has demonstrated immediate success since his move to the bantamweight division. Prior to facing Vera, he already had notable victories over Rob Font and Cody Garbrandt. The win against Vera not only elevates Figueiredo's status but also strengthens his case for a title shot in the near future. His candid post-fight declaration left no doubt about 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," Figueiredo proclaimed with evident determination.
For Marlon Vera, the loss marks a challenging period in his career, being his second consecutive defeat and the third in his last four fights. Coming into the bout ranked No. 4, Vera's slump began with a loss to Sean O'Malley in March, and despite a strong showing against Figueiredo, he was unable to secure the much-needed victory.
Figueiredo's continued excellence in the bantamweight division is a testament to his adaptability and skill. Earlier in 2023, he concluded a storied rivalry with Brandon Moreno at flyweight, paving the way for his impressive transition to bantamweight. Figueiredo's tactical approach, characterized by his precision striking and effective takedowns, has made him a formidable contender in his new weight class.
As Figueiredo sets his sights on the bantamweight title, his trajectory remains upward. With a 3-0 record in the division and a decisive win over a top-ranked opponent, his demand to Dana White for a title fight against Merab Dvalishvili or Sean O'Malley carries significant weight. The bantamweight division waits with bated breath to see if Figueiredo's continued success will earn him the title shot he so clearly desires.