Figueiredo Shines in Bantamweight Division with Win Over Vera in Abu Dhabi
Former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo continues to prove his mettle in the bantamweight division, showcasing his formidable skills and steadfast resolve. On Saturday's UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, Figueiredo improved his bantamweight record to an impressive 3-0, outpointing Marlon "Chito" Vera in a closely contested match.
The bout was a testament to Figueiredo's evolved versatility and tactical acumen as he demonstrated pinpoint striking and timely takedowns, much to the delight of his trainer Eric Albarracin. The judges were in unanimous agreement, scoring the bout 29-28 twice and 30-27 in favor of Figueiredo, confirming his dominance over the No. 4 ranked Vera.
Strategic Brilliance in the Octagon
From the outset, it was clear that Figueiredo had come prepared for a rigorous battle. Round 1 saw him absorb a flying knee from Vera, but demonstrating resilience, he managed to take Vera down, setting the tone for the rest of the fight. Round 2 featured Figueiredo employing body punches and constant circling, successfully frustrating Vera and limiting his output significantly.
It was in Round 3 that Figueiredo truly cemented his victory. Although Vera started strong with body shots and sharp elbows, Figueiredo executed a perfect counter right hand in the final moments, dropping Vera and sealing his triumph. This strategic brilliance, coupled with his ability to control the fight's tempo, underscored why Figueiredo has found immediate success in the bantamweight division.
Vera's Struggles Continue
For Marlon Vera, the loss was a significant blow. Ranked No. 4 by the UFC coming into the fight, Vera needed a victory to break free from a recent slump. Instead, this defeat marks his second consecutive loss and his third in the last four fights. Earlier in March, Vera was bested by Sean O'Malley, adding to the string of disappointing outcomes for the once-promising fighter.
Despite his efforts and a promising start in the critical third round, Vera couldn't outmaneuver Figueiredo's well-planned counters and suffered another setback. This latest defeat leaves him at a crossroads in his career, needing to reassess and possibly reinvent his approach in future bouts.
Figueiredo's Rise Continues
Initially making his mark in the flyweight division, Figueiredo concluded a fierce rivalry with Brandon Moreno earlier in 2023. Transitioning to the bantamweight division has been nothing short of a rebirth for the Brazilian fighter. With victories over Rob Font and Cody Garbrandt already under his belt, Figueiredo was ranked No. 6 before his fight against Vera. This latest win undoubtedly propels him further up the bantamweight ranks.
Figueiredo's post-fight declaration was filled with determination, calling out for a title shot. "Hey Dana, I beat this guy tonight. Merab-O'Malley, I want to be next. I want to fight for the title next," he passionately stated. Such bold statements underline his confidence and readiness to take on the division's elite, and with his current form, it's hard to argue against him.
Future Prospects
With his recent string of commanding performances, Figueiredo is positioning himself as a top contender for a title shot in the bantamweight category. Given his track record and the evident improvements in his game plan and execution, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he fares against the division's cream of the crop.
As Figueiredo continues his ascent, the bantamweight division can expect more electrifying fights and high-stakes drama. His unwavering ambition, guided by the expertise of trainer Eric Albarracin, promises a thrilling journey ahead for the Brazilian fighter and his supporters.