Former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo is carving out a formidable path in the bantamweight division, enhancing his reputation with a standout performance at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi. Figueiredo, known for his pinpoint striking and timely takedowns, outpointed Marlon "Chito" Vera in a closely contested match, thereby improving his bantamweight record to 3-0.
Impressive Scoring and Tactical Dominance
The judges’ scores were 29-28 (twice) and 30-27 in favor of Figueiredo, reflecting his strategic dominance over the course of the fight. Vera, who entered the bout ranked No. 4 by the UFC, was looking to rebound from a recent slump—having lost three of his last four fights. However, Figueiredo, under the guidance of trainer Eric Albarracin, limited Vera's output, showcasing his ability to control the pace and direction of the match.
Key Moments in the Fight
The fight witnessed several pivotal moments, especially in the final round. Vera had a strong start in Round 3 with body shots and sharp elbows, aiming to turn the tide in his favor. Yet, Figueiredo effectively countered, dropping Vera with a counter right hand late in the round, further solidifying his lead.
Earlier in the bout, Figueiredo displayed his well-rounded skill set. After absorbing a flying knee in Round 1, he successfully took Vera down, setting the tone for the subsequent exchanges. In Round 2, Figueiredo implemented body punches and adept circling to frustrate Vera, showcasing his tactical prowess.
Climbing the Ranks
Before facing Vera, Figueiredo was ranked No. 6 in the bantamweight division. His victory against Vera undoubtedly elevates his standing, marking a significant achievement in his climb up the divisional ranks. Figueiredo's success in the division comes on the heels of significant wins over Rob Font and Cody Garbrandt, adding to his impressive resume.
This latest victory further highlights Figueiredo's immediate success in the bantamweight division, following an intense rivalry with Brandon Moreno at flyweight earlier in 2023. As Figueiredo continues to adapt and excel in his new weight class, his potential for further accomplishments only grows.
Vera’s Struggles Continue
For Marlon Vera, the loss represents his second consecutive defeat, adding to a troubling stretch where he has lost three of his last four fights. Vera had previously suffered a loss to Sean O'Malley in March, and entering this bout, a win was crucial to regain his momentum.
Looking Ahead
Figueiredo’s post-fight remarks were filled with ambition. "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, signaling his intentions to challenge the top contenders and potentially secure a title shot in the near future.
With his blend of striking precision, strategic takedowns, and increasing momentum in the bantamweight division, Figueiredo is a name to watch. Whether or not his request to fight for the title will be fulfilled, his performances are making a strong case for his inclusion among the division's elite fighters.