Former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo continues his impressive transition to the bantamweight division. On Saturday at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, Figueiredo showcased his razor-sharp striking and strategic takedowns to secure a crucial victory over Marlon "Chito" Vera, cementing his bantamweight record at an unblemished 3-0.
The match-up was as thrilling as it was competitive, with Figueiredo eventually winning by decision. The judges scored it 29-28 twice and 30-27 in favor of Figueiredo, reflecting the close nature of the fight that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
A Tactical Battle
Known for his pinpoint striking and timely takedowns, Figueiredo came into this bout determined to further establish his presence in the bantamweight ranks. Vera, who was ranked No. 4 by the UFC prior to the fight, posed a significant challenge, particularly with his urgent need to break out of a slump, having lost three of his last four fights.
Each round presented its own set of dynamics. In Round 1, Figueiredo demonstrated his versatility by absorbing a flying knee from Vera before swiftly taking him down. The tactical shift in Round 2 saw Figueiredo employing body punches and circular movement to keep Vera off balance, a strategy designed to limit his opponent's output. Vera came out strong in Round 3, landing body shots and sharp elbows that briefly put Figueiredo on the defensive. However, Figueiredo answered back with a counter right hand that dropped Vera late in the round, securing his dominance.
Guidance and Strategy
Figueiredo's performance was guided by his seasoned trainer, Eric Albarracin, whose strategic insights have been instrumental in Figueiredo’s seamless transition between weight classes. "Hey Dana, I beat this guy tonight. Merab-O'Malley, I want to be next. I want to fight for the title next," Figueiredo declared with evident determination, targeting a shot at the bantamweight title and making his ambitions crystal clear to UFC President Dana White.
Implications for the Division
The victory has significant implications for both fighters. For Figueiredo, now ranked No. 6 before facing Vera, the win propels him further into the top tier of the bantamweight division. Notably, his victories over established fighters like Rob Font and Cody Garbrandt underscore his growing prowess in this weight class.
For Vera, the loss is a stark setback. His second consecutive defeat, coupled with dropping three of his last four fights, positions him at a critical juncture in his career. Vera, once a rising star, now finds himself needing to reassess and recalibrate to return to winning ways, especially after a previous loss to Sean O'Malley in March.
Figueiredo’s journey through the UFC has been nothing short of remarkable. Concluding a high-profile rivalry with Brandon Moreno at flyweight earlier in 2023, he has since made a swift and successful entry into the bantamweight division. Each match solidifies his status as a formidable contender, poised to make a run for the title.
As the bantamweight division continues to heat up, Figueiredo's next move will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. His blend of striking precision, grappling acumen, and strategic execution makes him a dangerous adversary for anyone standing between him and the title shot he so vehemently seeks.