🚨 Deiveson Figueiredo says he’s willing to return to flyweight to fight Alexandre Pantoja for the belt đź‘€
“Since [Pantoja] I’m looking for someone, I think I’m the best option. I’m free, man…
In my entire UFC career, I’ve only missed weight once…if that’s the case… pic.twitter.com/SUJW8gJH2l
— Championship Round (@ChampRDS)
December 11, 2024
Alexandre Pantoja and Deiveson Figueiredo have teased an Ultimate Fighting Championship flyweight rematch.
Pantoja (29-5) has defended his flyweight strap three times since defeating Brandon Moreno at UFC 290 last year. “The Cannibal” recently choked out two-time RIZIN Fighting Federation champion Kai Asakura, who earned an immediate spot at UFC 310 earlier this month after signing with the UFC. This is largely due to Pantoja not competing at flyweight, aside from fights against Moreno and Roybal.
However, a new contender appears to have entered the fray and has already handed Pantoja one of the few losses of his career. Former champion Figueiredo (24-4) intends to move down from bantamweight to challenge for Pantoja’s flyweight title.
“Since [Pantoja] “I’m looking for someone. I think I’m the best option,” Figueiredo recently told Brazilian mixed martial arts journalist Lerte Viana (translated by Championship Rounds). In my entire UFC career, I’ve only made weight once… If I have to make weight, I’ll go out there and fulfill my commitment… and our first fight was… it wasn’t easy for me [Pantoja]. It was a 3 round fight and I won all 3 rounds for sure. ”
Pantoja lost his first fight to Figueiredo by unanimous decision at UFC 240 in 2019 in the “Fight of the Night.” “The Cannibal” would like to avenge that loss, but he is worried that Figueiredo, who has adapted to the flyweight division, will reach his limit. 135.
“That’s one of the matches I want to be a part of,” Pantoja told Ariel Helwani. “Of course, because he beat me once, and I know 100% that I can beat him. But it would be dangerous for the UFC, where he is, to make weight now. Maybe Figueiredo will do it now. It might be dangerous to try. It’s just that your body has changed.”
Figueiredo moved up to bantamweight after going 1-2-1 in his flyweight title fight with Moreno. ‘Diko’ defeated experienced bantamweights Rob Font, Cody Garbrandt and Marlon Vera before dropping a unanimous decision to former champion Petr Yan last month.
🫡🔥Alexandre Pantoja is scheduled for a rematch with Deiveson Figueiredo, but is skeptical whether Figueiredo can actually reach the flyweight limit:
“That’s one of the fights I want. He beat me once and I know I can beat him 100%…
That would be dangerous for the UFC… pic.twitter.com/3ItQIPT7Lj
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight)
December 11, 2024
