Figueiredo Shines in Bantamweight, Outpoints Vera at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi
Former UFC flyweight champion, Deiveson Figueiredo, continued to make waves in the bantamweight division with a sterling performance on Saturday at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi. Figueiredo, known for his pinpoint striking and timely takedowns, showcased his versatile skill set with an impressive victory against Marlon "Chito" Vera, earning a unanimous decision. The judges scored the match 29-28 (twice) and 30-27 in favor of Figueiredo, who improved his bantamweight record to an unblemished 3-0.
Guided by his trainer Eric Albarracin, Figueiredo entered the octagon with a strategic plan to limit Vera's output and leverage his own strengths. This approach paid off as Figueiredo skillfully navigated the early rounds, absorbing a flying knee in Round 1 and neutralizing Vera with a calculated takedown. By the second round, Figueiredo's body punches and effective circling further frustrated Vera, who came into the fight ranked No. 4 by the UFC.
"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 following his victory. His eyes are now set on the coveted bantamweight championship, hinting at potential future clashes with MMA stars like Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O'Malley.
A Tactical Battle
The bout was nothing short of a tactical battle, where both fighters had their moments. Vera, who was in need of a win following a recent slump, showcased his striking prowess, especially in Round 3 when he landed sharp elbows and body shots. However, Figueiredo's resilience came to the fore as he dropped Vera with a counter right hand late in the round, sealing his victory.
Throughout the fight, Figueiredo masterfully limited Vera's effectiveness, demonstrating why he is a contender to watch in the bantamweight division. The former flyweight champion's game plan involved neutralizing Vera early on, and it was evident that his combination of strategic takedowns and targeted strikes was effective.
Vera's Struggles Continue
For Vera, this loss marks his second consecutive defeat and continues a troubling trend. Having lost three of his last four fights, including a prior defeat to Sean O'Malley in March, Vera finds himself in a precarious position within the division. The Ecuadorian fighter, known for his relentless pace and aggressive style, struggled to find his rhythm against Figueiredo's well-rounded attack.
Despite a strong start in the final round, Vera was unable to overcome the tactical prowess of his opponent. The loss against Figueiredo not only affects his ranking but also raises questions about his future strategy and adjustments he may need to make to climb back into title contention.
Immediate Success for Figueiredo
Figueiredo's transition from flyweight to bantamweight has been nothing short of remarkable. After concluding a rivalry with Brandon Moreno earlier in 2023, Figueiredo shifted focus and quickly found success in the bantamweight division. Prior victories over Rob Font and Cody Garbrandt had already cemented his credentials, but the win against a top contender like Vera further elevates his standing.
The former flyweight champion entered the fight ranked No. 6 in the bantamweight division, and his precise execution during the fight has undoubtedly pushed him closer to a title shot. With this latest victory, Figueiredo has firmly positioned himself as a serious threat to anyone in the upper echelons of the division.
Looking Ahead
As Figueiredo eyes the bantamweight title, his confident call-out of top-ranked fighters like Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O'Malley signals his readiness for even greater challenges. The Brazilian's blend of striking accuracy, effective grappling, and tactical intelligence makes him a formidable opponent for any fighter. UFC President Dana White now has another strong contender to consider for a future bantamweight title bout.
For fans and analysts alike, Figueiredo’s journey through the bantamweight ranks promises to be an exciting narrative to follow. Whether he can replicate his flyweight success in this new category remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Deiveson Figueiredo is here to make a lasting impact in the UFC's bantamweight division.