Former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo continues to etch his name in the annals of UFC history, now making significant waves in the bantamweight division. On Saturday at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, Figueiredo improved his bantamweight record to an impeccable 3-0 with a decisive victory over Marlon "Chito" Vera. The judges scored the bout 29-28, 29-28, and 30-27, all in favor of the Brazilian fighter.
Figueiredo, renowned for his pinpoint striking and timely takedowns, faced a formidable opponent in Marlon Vera, who came into the fight ranked No. 4 by the UFC. Despite Vera's attempt to rebound from a tough streak, it was Figueiredo who dominated the narrative of the night. Vera, needing a win to pull himself out of a recent slump of three losses in his last four fights, including a recent defeat to Sean O'Malley in March, was unable to stop the relentless advance of Figueiredo.
Analysis of the Fight
The fight began with Figueiredo showcasing his strategic acumen and technical prowess. After absorbing a flying knee in the first round, he responded with a takedown, using his ground game to limit Vera’s striking capabilities. Figueiredo’s approach in Round 2 involved calculated body punches and consistent circling, effectively frustrating Vera and minimizing his output.
In the final round, Vera came out strong, targeting Figueiredo with body shots and sharp elbows. However, the former flyweight champion showcased his resilience by dropping Vera with a counter right hand late in the round. This pivotal moment underscored Figueiredo’s ability to control the pace and flow of the fight, even under pressure.
Post-Fight Implications
The victory has significant implications for both fighters. For Figueiredo, who was ranked No. 6 before the fight, this win elevates his standing in the bantamweight division, bringing him closer to title contention. He made his intentions clear, boldly stating, "Hey Dana, I beat this guy tonight. Merab-O'Malley, I want to be next. I want to fight for the title next." This declaration reflects his ambition and determination to secure a bantamweight title shot in the near future.
Guided by his trainer, Eric Albarracin, Figueiredo’s transition from flyweight to bantamweight has been nothing short of impressive. With victories over high-caliber opponents like Rob Font and Cody Garbrandt, he has quickly established himself as a formidable contender in the division. This recent win not only solidifies his standing but also sends a powerful message to the rest of the bantamweight roster.
On the other hand, this loss marks Vera's second consecutive defeat, further complicating his journey in the bantamweight division. Coming into the bout as a top-four contender, Vera had hoped to reverse his fortunes after a string of difficult fights. However, Figueiredo’s tactical superiority and relentless pressure proved to be too much, leaving Vera to reassess his strategy and approach moving forward.
Future Prospects
For Deiveson Figueiredo, the future looks promising. As he continues to build on his bantamweight success, his eyes are set on the ultimate prize: the UFC bantamweight title. With his mix of precision striking, effective takedowns, and the guidance of a seasoned trainer, he poses a significant threat to current and future contenders.
Meanwhile, Marlon Vera finds himself at a crossroads. Having now lost three of his last four fights, including bouts against some of the best in the division, Vera will need to regroup and find a way to reignite his career. His performance in Round 3 demonstrated that he still has the skills and tenacity to compete at a high level, but consistency and strategic adjustments will be key to his resurgence.
The bout in Abu Dhabi did more than just add another victory to Figueiredo’s record; it underscored his potential to dominate in a new weight class. As he continues his pursuit of greatness, the bantamweight division must brace itself for a fighter who has proven, time and again, that he is a force to be reckoned with.