Former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo continues his meteoric rise in the bantamweight division with a hard-fought victory over Marlon "Chito" Vera at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi. This win improves Figueiredo's bantamweight record to an impressive 3-0.
A Battle of Precision and Strategy
The bout between Figueiredo and Vera was a tightly contested affair, showcasing both fighters' technical skills and tactical acumen. Figueiredo's pinpoint striking and timely takedowns were on full display as he edged out Vera on the judges' scorecards with scores of 29-28 (twice) and 30-27.
In the first round, after absorbing a flying knee from Vera, Figueiredo countered with a takedown, setting the tone for the remainder of the fight. His ability to limit Vera's output in the early stages proved crucial, as he methodically broke down Vera's defenses with body punches and effective circling in Round 2.
Round 3 Drama
The fight reached a thrilling crescendo in Round 3. Vera came out strong, attacking Figueiredo with powerful body shots and sharp elbows. However, Figueiredo's resilience shone through as he responded with a counter right hand, dropping Vera to the canvas late in the round. This pivotal moment not only solidified Figueiredo's dominance but also underscored his striking accuracy and tactical genius.
Trainer's Influence
Guided by trainer Eric Albarracin, Figueiredo's game plan was executed to perfection. Albarracin's influence on Figueiredo’s approach can't be overstated, as the fighter’s performance reflected a well-rounded strategy that combined defense and aggressive counter-attacking.
Rankings and Title Aspirations
Before the fight, Figueiredo was ranked No. 6 in the bantamweight division, while Vera held the No. 4 spot. With this victory, Figueiredo not only leapfrogs Vera in the rankings but also positions himself as a serious contender for the title. Reflecting on his ambitions, Figueiredo made a bold declaration 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."
The Road Ahead for Vera
For Marlon Vera, the loss marks his second consecutive defeat and continues a troubling trend, with three losses in his last four fights. Ranked No. 4 coming into this fight, Vera had hoped to rebound from a slump that included a recent loss to Sean O'Malley in March. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, particularly in the third round against Figueiredo, Vera's inability to sustain pressure consistently cost him dearly.
Figueiredo's Journey
Figueiredo's journey to bantamweight success has been nothing short of remarkable. After concluding a storied rivalry with Brandon Moreno at flyweight earlier in 2023, he has seamlessly transitioned into the bantamweight division with immediate success. His victories over notable contenders like Rob Font and Cody Garbrandt have further cemented his status as a force to be reckoned with in this weight class.
As Figueiredo continues to build his resume in the bantamweight division, the prospect of a title shot seems increasingly likely. His unique blend of striking precision, takedown proficiency, and strategic versatility makes him a formidable opponent for any top-tier fighter in the division.
The MMA world now eagerly anticipates Figueiredo's next move, as he eyes a potential showdown with either Merab Dvalishvili or Sean O'Malley. Fans and analysts alike are keen to see if Figueiredo can maintain his unbeaten run in the bantamweight division and achieve his ultimate goal of capturing the championship belt.
In conclusion, Figueiredo's victory over Vera not only underscores his ascending trajectory in the bantamweight rankings but also sets the stage for potentially even greater accomplishments in the near future. As he continues to evolve under the guidance of Eric Albarracin, the sky's the limit for this former flyweight kingpin.