Deiveson Figueiredo hopes for UFC bantamweight title fight soon following UFC Abu Dhabi win.
Figueiredo has been making a strong case for himself in the 135-pound division. Since moving up to bantamweight, the former flyweight kingpin has racked up three wins in a row. In that span, “Figgy” has beaten Rob Font, Cody Garbrandt, and more recently, Marlon “Chito” Vera.
Figueiredo will be paying close attention to the upcoming UFC bantamweight title fight between champion Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili. “Figgy” hopes that he can get his shot at 135-pound gold in the near future.
Deiveson Figueiredo Seeks UFC Bantamweight Championship Fight
Deiveson Figueiredo was interviewed on the ESPN post-fight show following UFC Abu Dhabi, and he expressed his desire to fight the winner of O’Malley vs. Merab
“I think it’s going to be an insane fight,” Figueiredo told ESPN after his win.”We’ve got O’Malley, who’s a great striker, and we’ve got Merab, who’s a grappler. I want to fight whoever wins the belt because I want my fight for the belt.”
Figueiredo may have to wait longer than he’d like to, however. UFC CEO Dana White has told Kevin Iole that the plan is for Umar Nurmagomedov to get the next bantamweight title fight after UFC 306 next month.
All Figueiredo can do for now is to keep making the bantamweight division his home. The Brazilian fighter has been experiencing the benefits of changing weight class.
“The difference now is the strength that I have now acquired,” Figueiredo said. “My body is healthier, and I’m just happier because I don’t have to suffer as much making the weight.”
While “Figgy” might not get a title shot before Umar, one would imagine he’s in for a pivotal fight soon, which might just be a title eliminator.