Former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo has made another emphatic statement in his burgeoning bantamweight career. Fighting at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, Figueiredo bolstered his bantamweight record to 3-0 with a hard-fought victory over Marlon "Chito" Vera.
Masterclass Performance
In what was a closely contested bout, Figueiredo's sharp striking and timely takedowns proved instrumental. The judges scored the fight 29-28, 29-28, and 30-27 in favor of Figueiredo, a clear testament to his control over the match. Though Vera started strong in the third round with punishing body shots and elbow strikes, it was Figueiredo who landed a pivotal counter right hand, dropping Vera late in Round 3.
Strategic Execution
Figueiredo’s strategy was evident from the outset. In the first round, after absorbing a flying knee, he took Vera down, showcasing his varied skill set. By the second round, Figueiredo's strategy switched to using body punches and consistent circling, a tactic designed to frustrate Vera and limit his output. This approach paid off as Vera found it difficult to land significant strikes in the early stages.
Guided by trainer Eric Albarracin, Figueiredo's calculated performance highlighted his transition from flyweight to bantamweight. His recent victories, including wins over Rob Font and Cody Garbrandt, have catapulted him into serious title contention. Ranked No. 6 before the bout, Figueiredo’s win over the No. 4 ranked Vera further solidifies his position in the division.
Challenges for Vera
For Marlon Vera, this loss marks his second consecutive defeat, bringing his recent record to just one win in his last four fights. Vera, who was desperately in need of a victory to break his slump, struggled to match Figueiredo’s pace and precision. Vera’s performance, particularly in Round 3 with his assertive body shots, showed glimpses of his potential. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome Figueiredo’s dominance.
A Call for the Title
Post-fight, an impassioned Figueiredo directed his focus towards UFC President Dana White and the bantamweight elite. "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. His immediate success in the bantamweight division, combined with his previous accolade as a flyweight champion, adds weight to his title aspirations.
Career Milestones
The victory not only adds another notch to Figueiredo’s professional record but also marks a significant milestone in his career. Earlier in 2023, he concluded an intense rivalry with Brandon Moreno at flyweight. Shifting his focus to bantamweight, Figueiredo has demonstrated that his striking accuracy and ground game translate effectively to the heavier division.
Figueiredo’s tactical acumen in outpointing Vera is a testament to his adaptability and skill. The fight in Abu Dhabi showcased his readiness to vie for the title and solidified his status as one of the top contenders in the bantamweight ranks.