In a historic quadrilogy match against Brandon Moreno, Deiveson Figueiredo‘s tenure as the UFC flyweight title recently came to an end at UFC 283. With hands of stone, an airtight guillotine, and power punching submissions, “Deus da Guerra” built his career.
He battled Brandon Moreno to unify the divisional championships at UFC 283 while on his home turf.
The divisional kingpin in reality was “Deus da Guerra,” with “The Assassin Baby” serving as the interim champion. The two had already fought three times, and at UFC 283, they engaged in the first-ever quadrilogy for the organisation. The fight was an exciting contest, as Moreno came out on top to reclaim divisional supremacy.
Figueirdo made an announcement about leaving the flyweight division after his defeat. The former champion announced that he would compete at the bantamweight weight class. For “Figgy,” though, that might not be the wisest course of action, and this list enumerates all the reasons why.
#5. Deiveson Figueiredo will be abandoning the rivalry with Brandon Moreno
In the flyweight division, the rivalry between Deiveson Figueiredo and Brandon Moreno is comparable to a money-making machine.
The 125 lb weight class typically doesn’t excite spectators. During Demetrious Johnson’s tenure as the divisional champion, only the most ardent supporters showed any interest in the 125’ers.
Even after a while, not much has altered. The division now has a headline game, but it’s the only thing that has changed. No other flyweight fight draws as many spectators as the one between Brandon Moreno and Deiveson Figueiredo does. There is a good reason why the two adversaries have now faced off four times.
The division features one very marketable matchup, which the UFC has acknowledged. Since the first time the two guys clashed, they have been exploiting it, and it has been successful since viewers keep tuning in. Deiveson Figueiredo’s absence removes a crucial component from the contest.
#4. It will thin out a division bereft of stars
Deiveson Figueiredo and Brandon Moreno are two well-known fighters in the UFC flyweight class. No other fighter, regardless of how talented they are, has the support of UFC fans. Both “The Assassin Baby” and “Deus da Guerra” were flyweight stars.
Unfortunately, no other 125’er has much name value, which is a negative aspect of the scenario. If the reigning champion decides to leave the division, not only will the weight class be without its most anticipated showdown, but it will also be missing one of its two biggest stars.
Without Deiveson Figueiredo, the flyweight division will dwindle, and the number of flyweight contests that can be used as Fight Night main events or PPV co-main events will be constrained.
#3. The bantamweight division will be extremely difficult for Deiveson Figueiredo
Deiveson Figueiredo has an extremely unusual fighting style that only functions in certain circumstances. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu expert is bigger than almost every other 125-pounder on the UFC roster and a deadly finisher. Fighters who heavily rely on their size advantage always suffer against opponents who are either the same size as them or larger.
The former divisional kingpin only succeeds when his adversaries show him a great deal of respect by refraining from engaging in prolonged physical combat. Figueiredo is a dangerous opponent if given the room and time to slowly stalk them. But he constantly has difficulties with opponents who don’t respect his knockout ability.
Fighting opponents are rarely treated with such respect unless they are significantly outmatched in size. “Deus da Guerra” will be outmatched and outgunned by opponents who are much bigger than he is at bantamweight.
#2. Deiveson Figueiredo has better matchups at 125 lbs
Deiveson Figueiredo, who weighs 125 pounds, has excellent prospective opponents. The novelty of his time in the new weight class will rapidly wear off if he makes his debut in the bantamweight division once it becomes clear that he needs a size advantage.
‘Deus da Guerra’ is a skilled knockout artist with a savage submission style at flyweight.
Due to this, grappling and striking competitions become more interesting. Kai Kara-France, a fellow flyweight, presents an intriguing battle because of his own versatility in finishing. It would be interesting to know how the past champion would do against another tireless striker with limited defensive gaps.
Will it be another UFC 283 or a barnburner? What would occur if Muhammad Mokaev attempted to wrestle him in a same manner? Will he fight back against a takedown or use a guillotine choke? It’s nearly a given how “Deus da Guerra” will fare at bantamweight.
#1. A loss at 135 lbs would be quite damaging to his body
Deiveson Figueiredo’s potential is well established if he stays a flyweight. At 125 pounds, he is capable of winning the UFC championship and has already beaten the current champion Brandon Moreno. He is more than capable of defeating other 125’ers, even if he loses. At bantamweight, the same is unlikely to be accurate.
The Brazilian knockout artist focuses on having an advantage in stature and his opponent’s dread of his renowned punching power, as was noted in the first item of this page. Without it, his fighting prowess is all but nonexistent. He also stands the danger of taking far more harm at bantamweight than he would at flyweight.
He will be forced into an offensively helpless shell against bigger, stronger 135’ers, which could cause Figueiredo to cut his career prematurely from taking too much damage. Today, the majority of 135ers have walk-around weights in the lightweight range.
Although “Figgy” is as tough as they come, he might be severely hurt by the bantamweight behemoths.
