Deiveson Figueiredo Dominates Marlon Vera at UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi
Former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo is making waves in the bantamweight division. On Saturday at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, Figueiredo solidified his status as a top contender by outpointing Marlon "Chito" Vera in a closely contested match, thereby improving his bantamweight record to 3-0.
The judges' scores were 29-28 (twice) and 30-27 in favor of Figueiredo, reflecting a night where his pinpoint striking and timely takedowns made all the difference. Guided by trainer Eric Albarracin, Figueiredo showcased his versatile skill set throughout the match, keeping the highly-ranked Vera, who came in ranked No. 4 by the UFC, on the defensive.
Mastering the Ring
In the first round, after absorbing a dangerous flying knee from Vera, Figueiredo took his opponent down, demonstrating his resilience and tactical acumen. This set the tone for the rest of the bout as he limited Vera's output over the first half of the fight. In the second round, Figueiredo employed precise body punches and continuous circling, effectively frustrating Vera and preventing him from finding his rhythm.
The third round saw a surge from Vera, who started strong with persistent body shots and sharp elbows. However, Figueiredo remained unphased and methodically waited for his opening. Late in the round, he capitalized, dropping Vera with a perfectly timed counter right hand that sealed his victory.
Vera's Struggles Continue
For Marlon Vera, the loss is a significant setback as it marks his second consecutive defeat and his third loss in his last four fights. After a tough outing, Vera needed a win to regain momentum following a recent slump, which included a loss to Sean O'Malley in March. This latest defeat intensifies the challenges ahead for Vera as he seeks to reclaim his standing in the division.
Figueiredo's Ascent
With this win, Figueiredo, who was ranked No. 6 prior to the fight, moves further up the bantamweight ranks. His transition from flyweight to bantamweight has been remarkably successful, with victories over Rob Font and Cody Garbrandt already under his belt. Earlier in 2023, Figueiredo concluded a high-profile rivalry with Brandon Moreno at flyweight, which many believed might have drained him. However, his performance in the bantamweight division dispels any doubts about his condition and capability.
Determined to continue his climb, Figueiredo made his intentions clear post-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 with visible determination.
Figueiredo’s callout of Sean O'Malley and Merab Dvalishvili signals his ambition to challenge the top names in the division. Given his current trajectory, few would doubt his potential to contest for the bantamweight title soon.
The Road Ahead
It will be intriguing to see how the UFC matchmakers respond to Figueiredo’s callout and how the division's dynamics evolve. For now, Deiveson Figueiredo's immediate success in the bantamweight division underscores his versatility and determination, qualities that have defined his career and promise to drive him forward in pursuit of championship gold.