The world of mixed martial arts (MMA) is filled with fighters who navigate the complexities of weight divisions, title shots, and the perpetual quest for glory. Deiveson Figueiredo, a prominent figure in the UFC, stands at a critical juncture in his career as he contemplates his future within two weight classes—the Bantamweight (135 lbs) and Flyweight (125 lbs) divisions. The Brazilian fighter, who has made a significant mark in the Octagon, now finds himself balancing the ambition to reclaim his title as a flyweight champion while solidifying his position at bantamweight.
Following an impressive performance by Alexandre Pantoja in his recent title defense against Kai Asakura at UFC 310, the thought of a rematch between him and Figueiredo has been rekindled. Their last encounter, which took place in July 2019 at UFC 240, ended with Figueiredo securing a unanimous decision victory. However, Pantoja’s prevailing concerns regarding Figueiredo’s capability to safely cut down to the flyweight class raises questions about whether this anticipated rematch can materialize.
Figueiredo, a two-time flyweight champion, contends that monopolizing weight management should be a manageable task for him. Expressing unwavering confidence in his discipline, he insists, “If I want to come down to 125, I can do it. When I want something, it’s not a problem.” This self-assuredness reflects Figueiredo’s strong belief not only in his physical capacities but also in his strategic edge against Pantoja, whom he claims has not advanced significantly since their last matchup.
While Figueiredo boasts confidence, it’s essential to scrutinize his assertions regarding Pantoja’s development as a fighter. With Pantoja being heralded for his grappling acumen, Figueiredo acknowledges the possibility of both grapplers submitting each other during their fights. His statement that “it would be down to small mistakes” speaks volumes about the thin margins that separate fighters of their caliber. However, can Figueiredo’s steadfast belief that he remains the superior fighter withstand the test of time?
In the world of MMA, fighters are often tales of constant evolution and adaptation. The question lingering in the minds of fans and analysts alike is whether Figueiredo has adequately accounted for the strides Pantoja may have made in his training, experience, and strategy since their previous confrontation.
Figueiredo’s aspirations have secured him a notable position within the UFC’s bantamweight hierarchy since his transition in December 2023. Despite facing a challenging defeat against Petr Yan, the Brazilian remains ardent about his goal of clinching the bantamweight championship. His mix of past accomplishments and future ambitions reveals a fighter who intends to leave a lasting legacy in the sport—one that includes capturing titles in two weight classes.
Although the road ahead is fraught with uncertainty, Figueiredo maintains a determined focus on capturing the bantamweight title, stating, “I’m focused on being the 135 champ. I have some adjustments to make.” Whether those adjustments come through further bouts at bantamweight or a strategic return to flyweight remains to be seen. The looming question is whether the UFC will facilitate this path forward for Figueiredo.
As Figueiredo awaits decisions about his future matchups, the involvement of UFC management will play a pivotal role in shaping his trajectory. In a sport where timing and opportunity are paramount, Figueiredo’s next steps could lead him to a potential rematch with Pantoja, or alternatively, reinforce his claim as a title challenger in bantamweight.
Ultimately, Figueiredo’s dual aspirations in both weight divisions underscore the nuances that fighters face navigating the competitive landscape of the UFC. His journey is emblematic of a broader narrative in MMA—a quest for redemption, relevance, and recognition, where every decision can lead to an entirely new chapter of a fighter’s career. Whether he finds himself commanding respect in the bantamweight division or reclaiming his position at flyweight, one fact remains clear: Deiveson Figueiredo is poised to continue making waves in the unpredictable realm of mixed martial arts.