Deiveson Figueiredo Shines in Bantamweight Victory Over Marlon "Chito" Vera at UFC Fight Night
Former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo delivered a commanding performance on Saturday at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, further cementing his status as a formidable contender in the bantamweight division. In a closely contested match, Figueiredo outpointed Marlon "Chito" Vera, securing a unanimous decision victory with judges' scores of 29-28 (twice) and 30-27, bringing his record in the division to an impressive 3-0.
Thanks to his pinpoint striking and timely takedowns, Figueiredo effectively limited Vera's output over the first half of the bout. The Brazilian fighter, known for his explosive offense and dynamic movement, showcased his skills under the guidance of trainer Eric Albarracin. Vera, who entered the fight ranked No. 4 by the UFC, needed a win to reverse a recent slump, having lost three of his last four fights, including a defeat to Sean O'Malley in March.
The bout began with an explosive Round 1, where Figueiredo absorbed a flying knee from Vera, only to counter by taking his opponent down. This set the tone for a dynamic and strategic fight. In Round 2, Figueiredo continued to frustrate Vera with body punches and adept circling, showcasing his versatility and tactical awareness inside the Octagon.
Vera had a strong start to Round 3, landing sharp elbows and body shots that seemed to momentarily shift momentum in his favor. However, Figueiredo's resilience and strategic acumen shone through later in the round. He dropped Vera with a perfectly timed counter right hand, further solidifying his lead and demonstrating his superior striking precision.
Figueiredo's victory over Vera adds to his growing list of accomplishments in the bantamweight ranks, which already includes wins over Rob Font and Cody Garbrandt. Prior to the fight, Figueiredo was ranked No. 6, and this latest win is likely to elevate him even further in the division.
Speaking to UFC President Dana White after the fight, Figueiredo made his ambitions clear. "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.
This victory comes just months after Figueiredo concluded a heated rivalry with Brandon Moreno at flyweight earlier in 2023. His immediate success in the bantamweight division has been remarkable, suggesting that the former flyweight champion has found a new home where his skills can truly flourish.
For Marlon Vera, the loss marks his second consecutive defeat, reinforcing the challenges he has faced in maintaining momentum in the octagon. As he grapples with his third loss in four fights, Vera will need to reassess and recalibrate his strategy to climb back up the ranks.
Meanwhile, Figueiredo's focus is firmly set on future glory in the bantamweight division. With his blend of striking accuracy, tactical versatility, and unwavering resolve, he is proving to be a significant threat to anyone in his weight class. As the division continues to heat up, fight fans will be eagerly anticipating Figueiredo's next move—and whether he will indeed get his chance to vie for the title against the likes of Merab Dvalishvili or Sean O'Malley.