Former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo continues to make waves in the bantamweight division. At UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, Figueiredo extended his unbeaten streak in the bantamweight class to 3-0 by outpointing Marlon "Chito" Vera in a tightly contested match that showcased his precision and tactical prowess.
Figueiredo’s Tactical Mastery
Figueiredo's strategic game plan was evident from the opening round. He absorbed an impactful flying knee from Vera but quickly responded by taking him down, ensuring his control over the fight's tempo. In the second round, Figueiredo utilized body punches and adept circling, successfully frustrating Vera and limiting his offensive output. The pinnacle of his performance came late in the third round when he dropped Vera with a counter right hand, leaving a lasting impression on the judges.
The judges' scorecards reflected Figueiredo's dominance, awarding him the victory with scores of 29-28, 29-28, and 30-27. This victory not only underscores Figueiredo’s skillset, characterized by pinpoint striking and timely takedowns, but also solidifies his standing as a formidable contender in the bantamweight ranks.
Vera’s Struggles Continue
For Marlon Vera, the match was a crucial opportunity to reclaim his momentum after a recent slump. Ranked No. 4 by the UFC going into the fight, Vera needed a win to reverse his fortunes, having lost thrice in his last four outings, including a defeat to Sean O'Malley in March. Despite a strong start to the third round with body shots and sharp elbows, Vera could not maintain his advantage and succumbed to Figueiredo’s calculated counterattacks.
The loss marks Vera’s second consecutive defeat, casting a shadow over his path forward in the division. Nonetheless, his competitive spirit was unshaken, and his performance, particularly in the early stages of the rounds, demonstrated his resilience.
Figueiredo’s Ascent in the Bantamweight Division
Before facing Vera, Figueiredo was already a contender with victories over notable names like Rob Font and Cody Garbrandt. Coming into the fight, he was ranked No. 6 in the bantamweight division. With this win against Vera, Figueiredo's position in the rankings is set to improve further, bolstering his campaign for a title shot.
After the fight, Figueiredo made his ambitions clear. Addressing UFC President Dana White, he declared with evident determination, "Hey Dana, I beat this guy tonight. Merab-O'Malley, I want to be next. I want to fight for the title next." His post-fight callout indicates a man on a mission, eyeing the top echelons of the bantamweight division with unwavering focus.
Guidance and Future Prospects
Figueiredo's success can be attributed in part to the guidance of his trainer, Eric Albarracin. Together, they have crafted fight strategies that play to Figueiredo's strengths, particularly his striking precision and tactical takedowns. With Albarracin in his corner, Figueiredo's transition from flyweight to bantamweight has been seamless, marked by immediate success.
Having concluded his rivalry with Brandon Moreno at flyweight earlier in 2023, Figueiredo has set his sights firmly on bantamweight glory. His progression within the division has been noteworthy, capturing the attention of both fans and analysts. As he continues to climb the ranks, a potential title fight looms on the horizon.
Deiveson Figueiredo's journey in the bantamweight division is far from over. With each victory, he inches closer to a title shot, driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence. For Marlon Vera, the recent setback might be a stumbling block, but with his skills and determination, a comeback is always on the cards. As the bantamweight division heats up, both fighters will undoubtedly remain central figures in the unfolding narrative.