Figueiredo Shines in Bantamweight Division Following Victory Over Vera
In a striking display of skill and strategy, former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo has solidified his status as a formidable contender in the bantamweight division. The scene was UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, and Figueiredo did not disappoint, securing a tight but definitive victory over Marlon "Chito" Vera. The win marked Figueiredo's third consecutive triumph at bantamweight, pushing his record in the division to an impressive 3-0.
Coming into the fight, Vera was ranked No. 4 by the UFC, while Figueiredo held the No. 6 spot. The bout was closely contested, with the judges ultimately awarding Figueiredo a win through scores of 29-28 (twice) and 30-27. Known for his impeccable striking and strategic takedowns, Figueiredo executed a game plan that kept Vera on the defensive for much of the fight.
In the opening round, after absorbing a flying knee, Figueiredo quickly turned the tables by taking Vera down, setting the tone for the rounds to follow. Round 2 saw Figueiredo using body punches and consistent circling to frustrate Vera, limiting his output and effectively controlling the pace of the fight. By Round 3, Vera managed to start strong with body shots and sharp elbows, but Figueiredo's precision striking shone through as he dropped Vera with a counter right hand late in the round.
An interesting sub-plot of the fight was Figueiredo's ongoing evolution since transitioning from flyweight, where he had concluded a high-profile rivalry with Brandon Moreno earlier in the year. Trained by the renowned Eric Albarracin, Figueiredo has adapted remarkably well to his new weight class. Albarracin's guidance has clearly been instrumental in Figueiredo's immediate success at bantamweight.
The win not only elevates Figueiredo's standing in the bantamweight pecking order but also puts him squarely in the conversation for a title shot. This sentiment was echoed by Figueiredo himself, who, with evident determination, declared, "Hey Dana, I beat this guy tonight. Merab-O'Malley, I want to be next. I want to fight for the title next." His confident call-out of both Merab Dvalishvili and current UFC bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley leaves little doubt about his lofty ambitions.
On the other side, the loss compounds difficulties for Marlon Vera, who now finds himself in a challenging situation, having lost three of his last four fights. Coming into the bout on the back of a recent slump, Vera needed a win to rejuvenate his career trajectory. Instead, this marks his second consecutive defeat, previously losing to Sean O'Malley in March. Despite a strong start in the final round, Vera was ultimately outmaneuvered by Figueiredo’s savvy and well-timed counters.
Figueiredo's ascent in the bantamweight division has been characterized by tactical prowess and effective striking, as evidenced by his victories over notable opponents like Rob Font and Cody Garbrandt. With this latest triumph, his trajectory seems set for even greater heights. UFC fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing his next moves, especially given his vocal desire to participate in a title fight.
Both fighters have showcased bravery and resilience, but on this night in Abu Dhabi, it was Deiveson Figueiredo's precision and strategy that carried the day. His continued success promises to bring even more excitement and intrigue to the increasingly competitive bantamweight division.