Former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo continues to make waves in the bantamweight division. On Saturday at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, Figueiredo secured a crucial victory over Marlon "Chito" Vera, enhancing his bantamweight record to an impressive 3-0.
A Decisive Victory
In a bout that saw Figueiredo's strategic brilliance on full display, he outpointed Vera in a closely contested match. The judges scored the contest 29-28 on two scorecards and 30-27 on the third, all in favor of Figueiredo. The victory underscored Figueiredo's reputation for pinpoint striking and timely takedowns, elements that have become hallmarks of his fighting style.
"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 during his post-fight interview, signaling his ambitions within the increasingly competitive bantamweight ranks.
Key Moments in the Fight
The bout itself was a testament to Figueiredo's tactical acumen. Vera, who was ranked No. 4 by the UFC coming into the fight and desperately needing a win after a recent slump, started strong in Round 3 with a series of body shots and sharp elbows. However, Figueiredo's ability to adapt was on full display as he dropped Vera with a counter right hand late in the round, effectively sealing his victory.
Throughout the fight, Figueiredo managed to limit Vera's output, particularly over the first half. After absorbing a flying knee in Round 1, Figueiredo maintained control by taking Vera down. In Round 2, his strategy of using body punches and constant circling frustrated Vera, making it difficult for him to mount a consistent offense.
A Climb Up the Rankings
Figueiredo's win against Vera elevates him further in the bantamweight hierarchy. Before facing Vera, he already had notable victories over Rob Font and Cody Garbrandt, and was ranked No. 6. This latest triumph is likely to improve his standing even more, positioning him closer to a title shot.
Vera's Struggles Continue
For Marlon Vera, this loss marks his second consecutive defeat and third in his last four fights. Previously, Vera lost to Sean O'Malley in March, a defeat that only added to the pressure of needing a win in this bout. Despite his efforts, Vera was unable to overcome Figueiredo's calculated approach and tactical prowess.
Trained by a Master
A significant contributor to Figueiredo's immediate success in the bantamweight division has been the guidance of his trainer, Eric Albarracin. Under Albarracin's tutelage, Figueiredo has refined his striking precision and grappling techniques, which have been crucial in his seamless transition from flyweight to bantamweight.
Earlier in 2023, Figueiredo concluded a high-profile rivalry with Brandon Moreno at flyweight, which seems to have set the stage for his current streak in the bantamweight division. Given his trajectory, it would not be surprising to see Figueiredo challenging for the bantamweight title in the near future, adding another chapter to his already illustrious career.
In summary, Deiveson Figueiredo's latest victory over Marlon Vera at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi has not only solidified his status as a top contender in the bantamweight division but has also brought him one step closer to a title shot. With his unwavering resolve and the expert guidance of Eric Albarracin, Figueiredo's future looks promising as he continues to make his mark in the world of mixed martial arts.