Deiveson Figueiredo Continues His Bantamweight Ascent with Victory Over Marlon Vera
Deiveson Figueiredo's transition from flyweight to bantamweight continues to yield impressive results. The former UFC flyweight champion showcased his prowess at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, earning a hard-fought decision victory over Marlon "Chito" Vera. This win solidified Figueiredo's undefeated streak in the bantamweight division, bringing his record to a sterling 3-0.
The bout was a closely contested affair, with the judges scoring it 29-28 twice and 30-27 in favor of Figueiredo. The Brazilian fighter's pinpoint striking and timely takedowns were crucial in limiting Vera's output throughout the match. From the moment the bell rang, it was evident that Figueiredo had a game plan crafted with precision under the guidance of his trainer, Eric Albarracin.
Figueiredo utilized a mix of body punches and strategic circling to frustrate Vera, especially in the second round. "Chito" Vera, who was ranked No. 4 by the UFC coming into the fight, displayed a strong start in Round 3 with powerful body shots and sharp elbows. However, his efforts were neutralized when Figueiredo landed a counter right hand that dropped Vera late in the round, solidifying the victory.
Figueiredo’s transition to bantamweight has been nothing short of spectacular. He has not only maintained his sharp striking but also demonstrated an ability to adapt and thrive in a heavier weight class. His victories over notable fighters like Rob Font and Cody Garbrandt have been testament to his skills. Additionally, this latest win against Vera, ranked No. 6 prior to the bout, elevates Figueiredo even further up the bantamweight ranks.
Marlon Vera's Struggles Continue
For Marlon Vera, the fight represented another setback in his quest to regain form. The loss against Figueiredo marks his second consecutive defeat and his third loss in the last four fights. Vera, who had lost to Sean O'Malley in March, was in dire need of a victory to halt his recent slump. Despite his efforts and a promising start in the final round, he could not overcome Figueiredo's well-executed strategy and skillset.
A Call for the Title
With another notable bantamweight victory under his belt, Figueiredo didn't shy away from making his future ambitions known. In a determined post-fight declaration, he addressed 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," Figueiredo stated emphatically, clearly setting his sights on a title shot.
Figueiredo’s success in the bantamweight division is a continuation of an impressive career that saw him conclude a memorable rivalry with Brandon Moreno at flyweight earlier in 2023. His immediate impact at bantamweight has undoubtedly positioned him as a formidable contender and an exciting prospect for future title bouts.
As Figueiredo continues to ascend the bantamweight rankings, fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how his career develops in this competitive division. His blend of striking precision, tactical acumen, and indomitable spirit makes him a challenging opponent for anyone at 135 pounds.
For now, Deiveson Figueiredo celebrates another victory and awaits the opportunity to prove himself on an even larger stage.