Deiveson Figueiredo Shines in Bantamweight Division with Victory Over Marlon Vera
Former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo continues to make waves in the bantamweight division. On Saturday at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, Figueiredo extended his bantamweight record to an impressive 3-0, thanks to a decisive victory over Marlon "Chito" Vera.
The bout was a closely contested affair, showcasing the skills and tenacity of both fighters. Figueiredo managed to outpoint Vera with the judges scoring the fight 29-28 (twice) and 30-27, all in favor of Figueiredo. His performance was marked by pinpoint striking and perfectly timed takedowns, elements that have become hallmarks of his fighting style. Guided by trainer Eric Albarracin, Figueiredo executed his game plan to near perfection.
Strong Opening Rounds for Figueiredo
Figueiredo's dominance was evident from the onset as he effectively limited Vera's output in the initial rounds. Despite absorbing a flying knee from Vera in Round 1, Figueiredo quickly recovered, taking Vera down and controlling the pace of the fight. In Round 2, Figueiredo's body punches and strategic circling further frustrated Vera, preventing him from mounting any significant offense.
Dynamic Final Round
The third round saw Vera coming out strong with a barrage of body shots and sharp elbows, attempting to turn the tide in his favor. However, Figueiredo responded with a masterful counter right hand, flooring Vera late in the round and sealing his victory. This win bolsters Figueiredo’s standing in the bantamweight ranks, previously holding the No. 6 spot before the fight.
Vera, who was ranked No. 4 coming into the bout, was in desperate need of a win following a recent slump. However, the loss to Figueiredo marks his second consecutive defeat, and his third in the last four fights. Vera had previously lost to Sean O'Malley in March, adding to the challenges he faces in his UFC career moving forward.
Immediate Success in the Bantamweight Division
Figueiredo's transition to the bantamweight division has been nothing short of remarkable. His victories over Rob Font and Cody Garbrandt are testament to his adaptability and prowess in a higher weight class. Prior to his bantamweight success, Figueiredo concluded a storied rivalry with Brandon Moreno at flyweight earlier in 2023, solidifying his legacy in that division before making the jump.
Calls for a Title Shot
With his latest win, Figueiredo is now setting his sights on championship gold. "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 statement underscores his ambition and readiness to challenge for the top spot in the bantamweight division.
As Figueiredo continues to climb the ranks, his blend of striking precision and grappling expertise makes him a formidable opponent for any fighter. His latest performance against Vera is a clear indication that he is not just participating in the bantamweight division but thriving, and his journey is far from over.
For Vera, the loss represents another setback in what has been a challenging period in his career. The Ecuadorian fighter will need to regroup and find a way to overcome his recent struggles if he hopes to return to his winning ways.
In the ever-evolving landscape of UFC, Deiveson Figueiredo's rise in the bantamweight division serves as a compelling narrative of skill, resilience, and ambition. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can achieve his goal of becoming a two-division champion and further cement his legacy in the sport.