Former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo has firmly established himself as a formidable force in the bantamweight division. On Saturday, at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, Figueiredo showcased his skill and determination, improving his bantamweight record to an impressive 3-0. His opponent, Marlon “Chito” Vera, who entered the fight ranked No. 4 by the UFC, was expected to pose a significant challenge.
In a closely contested battle, Figueiredo outpointed Vera, ultimately earning a unanimous decision from the judges. The scores were 29-28 twice and 30-27, all in favor of the Brazilian fighter. Figueiredo’s victory was anchored by his pinpoint striking and timely takedowns, a testament to his versatile fighting style. Guided by his trainer, Eric Albarracin, Figueiredo executed a smart game plan that kept Vera on the defensive for much of the fight.
First Half Dominance
The bout began with both fighters feeling each other out, but Figueiredo quickly took control. He limited Vera’s output over the first half of the fight, frustrating the Ecuadorian brawler with a combination of body punches and circling in Round 2. Perhaps the most critical moment in the early stages came after Figueiredo absorbed a flying knee from Vera in Round 1. Rather than retreat, he took Vera down, setting the tone for the rest of the encounter.
Strong Finish
Round 3 saw Vera attempting a comeback. He started strong with body shots and sharp elbows, indicating that he wasn’t going down without a fight. However, Figueiredo, always a strategist, waited for his moment and delivered a counter right hand that dropped Vera late in the round. This decisive move underscored Figueiredo’s ability to remain dangerous and effective, even under pressure.
Next Steps for Figueiredo
With this victory, Figueiredo's stock in the bantamweight division has risen significantly. Ranked No. 6 before the fight, his win over the higher-ranked Vera positions him closer to a title shot. Figueiredo himself made his intentions clear immediately following the fight. "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. His message, laced with determination, was directed at UFC President Dana White, underlining his ambitions for the future.
Figueiredo’s immediate success in the bantamweight division speaks volumes about his adaptability and skill set. Having previously concluded a high-profile rivalry with Brandon Moreno at flyweight earlier this year, Figueiredo’s transition to a new weight class has been nothing short of remarkable. Victories over Rob Font and Cody Garbrandt have added to his growing list of accomplishments, solidifying his reputation as a well-rounded fighter capable of excelling across different divisions.
Tough Times for Vera
For Marlon Vera, this loss marks his second consecutive defeat and adds to a troubling trend. He has now lost three of his last four fights, a slump that has put his future prospects in jeopardy. Vera had previously lost to Sean O'Malley in March, and this latest setback will likely require him to reassess his strategy moving forward. Despite his strong start in the final round and his reputation as a relentless competitor, Vera’s inability to secure a win against Figueiredo will weigh heavily on his back-to-the-drawing-board efforts.
Final Thoughts
Deiveson Figueiredo's victory over Marlon Vera in Abu Dhabi wasn't just another win; it was a statement. By defeating a top-four opponent, Figueiredo has fortified his standing in the bantamweight division. With his eyes set on the title, and armed with a combination of precise striking and strategic takedowns, Figueiredo’s journey continues to captivate the MMA world. Fans and analysts alike will eagerly await his next move, as he inches ever closer to another championship belt.