Deiveson Figueiredo Shines in Bantamweight Bout Against Marlon Vera
Former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo added another impressive victory to his bantamweight resume Saturday night at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, where he outpointed Marlon "Chito" Vera in a closely contested match. The Brazilian powerhouse showcased his evolving skills in the bantamweight division and improved his record in that class to a stellar 3-0.
Figueiredo's Performance
Coming into the bout ranked No. 6, Figueiredo faced a tough challenge in the fourth-ranked Vera. Known for his pinpoint striking and timely takedowns, Figueiredo managed to control much of the fight, limiting Vera's output, particularly in the first two rounds. The judges scored the fight 29-28 twice and 30-27 in favor of Figueiredo, reflecting his dominance despite Vera's desperate attempts to change the fight’s momentum.
The fight saw Figueiredo employ a range of tactics to frustrate and outmaneuver his opponent. After absorbing a flying knee in Round 1, Figueiredo swiftly took Vera down, setting the tone for the rest of the bout. In the second round, his body punches and circling movements continued to offset any rhythm Vera tried to establish, showcasing his tactical acumen and preparation under the guidance of renowned trainer Eric Albarracin.
Round 3 Drama
Vera started Round 3 with renewed vigor, aiming body shots and sharp elbows at Figueiredo in an effort to turn the tide. However, Figueiredo answered back emphatically, dropping Vera with a perfectly executed counter right hand late in the round. This moment not only cemented Figueiredo’s control over the bout but also demonstrated why he's been so successful since moving up to bantamweight.
Significance of the Win
With this victory, Figueiredo not only enhances his standing within the bantamweight ranks but also sends a strong message to the division’s elite. His previously impressive wins over Rob Font and Cody Garbrandt have already proven his capability, and adding Vera to that list emphasizes his growth as a fighter. The win positions him further up the rankings, potentially setting the stage for a title shot.
Post-Fight Ambitions
Figueiredo made it abundantly clear who he has his sights set on next. "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 evident determination. His ambitions are well-supported by his performances and the immediate success he’s found since moving to the bantamweight class.
Vera’s Struggles Continue
For Marlon Vera, this defeat marks his second consecutive loss and his third in the last four fights. Ranked No. 4 coming into this bout, Vera desperately needed a win to break out of his recent slump, having previously lost to Sean O’Malley in March. Despite showing flashes of his striking prowess, Vera was unable to overcome Figueiredo's strategic brilliance.
Conclusion of Rivalry
It's worth noting that Figueiredo concluded a long-standing rivalry with Brandon Moreno at flyweight earlier in 2023 before making his successful transition to bantamweight. Since then, he has been a force to reckon with in his new weight class, proving his versatility and tactical evolution.
As Figueiredo continues to climb the bantamweight ladder, his performances speak volumes about his potential to challenge for the title. The win against Vera not only solidifies his position within the top ranks but also enhances his reputation as one of the premier fighters in the UFC today.