Deiveson Figueiredo Shines in Bantamweight Division with Victory Over Marlon Vera
Deiveson Figueiredo, the former UFC flyweight champion, solidified his presence in the bantamweight division with an impressive win over Marlon "Chito" Vera at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi. The victory, which took his bantamweight record to a perfect 3-0, came after a closely contested match that saw Figueiredo’s strategic prowess on full display.
The bout was a thrilling showcase of mixed martial arts skill, with Figueiredo outpointing Vera on the judges’ scorecards, earning scores of 29-28 from two judges and 30-27 from the third. Known for his precise striking and timely takedowns, Figueiredo managed to limit Vera's output during the bout's critical moments.
From the onset, Figueiredo demonstrated his strategic acumen. After absorbing a flying knee in Round 1, he quickly counteracted by taking Vera down, a move that showcased his multifaceted combat ability. In Round 2, he used body punches and effective circling to frustrate Vera, who came into the fight ranked No. 4 by the UFC and sought a much-needed victory to snap out of a recent slump.
Round 3 saw Vera launch a ferocious offensive with body shots and sharp elbows, but Figueiredo's resilience was unwavering. The most telling moment came late in this round when Figueiredo dropped Vera with a powerful counter right hand, effectively sealing his dominance in the match.
The impact of this victory is significant for Figueiredo. Coming into the fight ranked No. 6, the win over a highly regarded contender like Vera undoubtedly propels him further up the bantamweight ranks. This win adds to his growing list of achievements in this new weight class, alongside previous victories over Rob Font and Cody Garbrandt.
Despite Vera’s strong efforts, the defeat marked his second consecutive loss and his third in his last four fights, compounding the setbacks he has faced recently, including a loss to Sean O'Malley in March.
Guided by his trainer Eric Albarracin, Figueiredo's transition to the bantamweight division has been met with immediate success. The decisive win against Vera only adds to the momentum he has built since concluding his rivalry with Brandon Moreno at flyweight earlier in the year.
In his post-fight remarks, Figueiredo made a bold declaration directed at 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." This statement captures the determination and ambition that have driven Figueiredo throughout his career and signals his intent to challenge for the bantamweight title soon.
Figueiredo's performance in Abu Dhabi underscores his adaptability and skilled execution, reinforcing his status as a formidable contender. As the bantamweight division continues to evolve, Figueiredo’s strategic intelligence and combat effectiveness will undoubtedly make him a fighter to watch in the quest for championship glory.