Deiveson Figueiredo Shines in Bantamweight Showdown Against Marlon Vera
Former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo showcased his prowess in the bantamweight division with an impressive victory over Marlon "Chito" Vera at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi. The triumph marked Figueiredo's third consecutive win in the bantamweight category, affirming his position as a formidable contender.
The closely contested bout saw Figueiredo, renowned for his pinpoint striking and tactical takedowns, secure the win via unanimous decision. The judges scored the fight 29-28 (twice) and 30-27 in favor of Figueiredo. Guided by his trainer Eric Albarracin, Figueiredo's strategy and execution were pivotal in neutralizing Vera's offensive efforts.
Vera, ranked No. 4 by the UFC entering the fight, was in dire need of a victory to halt his recent slump. He came out strong in Round 3 with an aggressive combination of body shots and sharp elbows. However, Figueiredo's resilience shone through as he dropped Vera with a counter right hand late in the final round, sealing the win.
Throughout the fight, Figueiredo effectively limited Vera's output, particularly in the first half. After absorbing a flying knee in Round 1, Figueiredo responded with a timely takedown, showcasing his versatility. In Round 2, he utilized body punches and skillful circling to further frustrate Vera, preventing him from gaining any significant momentum.
This victory not only elevates Figueiredo's standing in the bantamweight division but also puts an end to Vera's quest for redemption after a series of setbacks. The Ecuadorian fighter has now lost three of his last four bouts, including a prior defeat to Sean O'Malley in March. The loss to Figueiredo marks his second consecutive defeat, adding pressure on Vera to reassess his strategy moving forward.
Figueiredo’s success in the bantamweight division has been evident since his transition earlier this year, following his concluded rivalry with Brandon Moreno at flyweight. With notable victories over marquee fighters like Rob Font and Cody Garbrandt, Figueiredo has swiftly made his mark in his new weight class. Ranked No. 6 before the bout against Vera, this latest win propels him further up the bantamweight ranks.
Exuding confidence post-fight, Figueiredo didn’t hesitate to call out UFC President Dana White. "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 unmistakable determination. This bold challenge underscores his ambition to climb to the very top of the bantamweight hierarchy and seize the championship belt.
The dynamic shift to bantamweight has evidently suited Figueiredo, who continues to build an impressive resume. His consistent performance and adaptability across weight classes highlight an athlete at the peak of his abilities, driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence.
As the bantamweight division heats up with contenders jockeying for position, Deiveson Figueiredo’s ascendancy adds an intriguing layer to the competitive landscape. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching his next moves, as he inches closer to a potential title shot, eager to etch his name in the annals of mixed martial arts history.