Deiveson Figueiredo challenges Chito Vera at UFC Abu Dhabi this weekend in a crucial bout between top bantamweight contenders. Figueiredo expects that a finish against the notoriously tough Vera will guarantee him a title shot against the winner of Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili.
When talking to MMA Fighting, the former flyweight champion seemed confident in returning to where he acquired gold. Vera’s last fight comes against bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley, leading Figueiredo to believe that a win puts him next in line.
“This is where I won the belt, and to be fighting ‘Chito’ here and hopefully win again, this city has shown it brings me luck already,” Figueiredo told MMA Fighting. “I hope this fight takes me to a title shot. [Vera] has fought the best of the division, he just fought for the belt now, and I need to test myself against the champion — and for that, I need to beat him. I really want the UFC to give me this opportunity for the belt so I can prove that I can 100 percent take that belt.”
‘Figgy’ knows the task will not be easy, however. Vera has never been finished in his 33-fight career and is known for walking through big strikes. Despite this, the former flyweight champion believes a finish would put his performance over the top.
“Beating ‘Chito,’ a submission or even a knockout, would 100 percent take me to a title fight,” Figueiredo said. “Knocking him out would be the icing on the cake, because he has never been knocked out or submitted before and he has fought the best of the division. That would be a mega accomplishment. I want to do that, I want to be the first to stop him.”
With ‘Figgy’ expecting a title shot following UFC Abu Dhabi, he also talked about who he expects to face next.
Deiveson Figueiredo Picks Merab Dvalishvili to Dethrone Sean O’Malley
The bantamweight title fight at UFC 306 was also discussed, with Figueiredo acknowledging the champion’s skills but feeling that Dvalishvili will be too much.
“If Merab stays on the outside, which is hard to happen, it favors Sean O’Malley. He can box well, do that ballet style he does so well, and no surprise, he’s the champion, but it’s hard to keep the fight on the feet against Merab,” Figueiredo said. “He closes the distance and works against the cage and that’s very dangerous, he can take you down at any moment. It’s a boring fight, and with that game he can get the champion tired. I believe [Dvalishvili] wins the belt.”
Figueiredo also expressed interest in weighing in as a backup for the eventual title fight,
“I’m here and I’m willing. I would be more than happy if they put me as the backup, I will be there ready to fight. I was the champion and now I’m fighting a former contender. I’ll definitely be next for the fight after beating him. I want to be there in the front row for this fight between O’Malley and Merab.”
Quotes via MMA Fighting
Whether Figueiredo gets the chance to back up this historic title fight will depend on his performance on Saturday. A finish will surely put him at the top of the queue for whoever comes out victorious at UFC 306. Regardless, Figueiredo’s push to win a belt in two weight classes continues on August 3rd at UFC Abu Dhabi.
Does Deiveson Figueiredo deserve a title shot if he finishes Chito Vera? Let us know in the comments below!
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