Former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo continues to make waves in the bantamweight division. This Saturday, at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, Figueiredo extended his unbeaten streak in the bantamweight class, improving his record to a stellar 3-0. His latest victory came at the expense of Marlon "Chito" Vera in a closely contested bout.
Figueiredo's Tactical Brilliance
In a fight where strategy was key, Figueiredo demonstrated his prowess with pinpoint striking and timely takedowns. Guided by his trainer, Eric Albarracin, Figueiredo managed to outpoint Vera, a fighter ranked No. 4 by the UFC heading into the match. The judges' scores of 29-28 (twice) and 30-27 reflected Figueiredo’s control over the bout, especially with his ability to limit Vera's output in the early rounds.
The match was not without its tense moments. In the first round, after absorbing a flying knee, Figueiredo took Vera down in a decisive counter move. Round 2 saw Figueiredo frustrating Vera with strategic body punches and constant circling. It was in Round 3, however, that Figueiredo made a definitive statement. As Vera ramped up his aggression with body shots and sharp elbows, Figueiredo caught him with a counter right hand, dropping Vera to the canvas and solidifying his grip on the fight.
Vera's Struggles Continue
For Marlon Vera, the loss marks his second consecutive defeat and his third in the last four fights. Coming into the fight, Vera was looking to rebound from a recent slump, having previously lost to Sean O'Malley in March. Despite a strong start in Round 3 and moments of brilliance, Vera couldn’t match Figueiredo’s tactical acumen and precision striking. This loss will require Vera to reassess and recalibrate as he aims to regain his footing in the highly competitive bantamweight division.
Charting a New Path
Figueiredo's transition from flyweight to bantamweight has been nothing short of impressive. Having concluded a heated rivalry with Brandon Moreno earlier this year, Figueiredo has since focused all his efforts on climbing the bantamweight ranks. With victories over notable fighters like Rob Font and Cody Garbrandt, Figueiredo has quickly established himself as a formidable contender.
Ranked No. 6 before his bout with Vera, Figueiredo’s latest win is likely to elevate him even further in the rankings. His dominance and immediate success in the bantamweight division have not gone unnoticed, and Figueiredo is not shy about his future ambitions. In a post-fight declaration that left no room for ambiguity, 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.
What Lies Ahead
With the bantamweight division stacked with talent, Figueiredo’s ascent could lead to some thrilling matchups. A potential clash against top contenders like Merab Dvalishvili or Sean O'Malley would captivate MMA fans worldwide, promising high-stakes drama and intense action. As Figueiredo continues to sharpen his skills under Albarracin’s guidance, the MMA world will be watching closely.
For now, Deiveson Figueiredo basks in the glow of yet another victory, solidifying his status as a rising star in the bantamweight landscape. As he edges closer to a title shot, Figueiredo embodies the relentless drive and skill that fuel the sport of mixed martial arts, signaling that his journey in the bantamweight division is only just beginning.