[autotag]Deiveson Figueiredo[/autotag] is looking to stop [autotag]Joseph Benavidez[/autotag] again, but this time he wants to make history in the process.
Figueiredo (18-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC) rematches Benavidez (28-6 MMA, 15-4 UFC) for the vacant flyweight title this Saturday in the main event of UFC on ESPN+ 30 at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
Though Figueiredo was victorious in their first meeting, knocking Benavidez out in Round 2 at UFC on ESPN+ 27 in February, he wasn’t crowned champion due to missing weight by 2.7 pounds.
But now, not only is he hoping to make weight, then walk away with the title, he also wants to become the first man to submit the American.
“UFC fans should expect me and Benavidez to put on another ‘Fight of the Night’ performance,” Figueiredo told MMA Junkie. “I’ll try to knock him out, but I’d prefer a submission – he’s never been submitted before. Fight fans will absolutely love our rematch.”
Figueiredo’s first win will always have an asterisk next to it due to the weight miss, but he’s confident that he’s corrected those issues and vows that it won’t happen again.
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“Not making weight in the UFC was due to errors that I personally committed regarding my diet,” Figueiredo said. “I arrived much heavier than I should have. Same as before, when I came back home, I reflected on my mistakes. Now we’re working on it, so I can arrive much close to weight on fight week. You can be sure I’ll always make weight in all my future bouts.
“I’m working more closely with my nutritionist. She’s always checking on me. I’ll be on weight for this rematch against Benavidez, so I can capture the belt that’s rightfully mine.”
However, It’s been a bumpy road to fight week for Figueiredo, who tested positive for COVID-19 when in Sao Paulo last Friday. It pushed back his planned flight to Abu Dhabi as he was forced into a two-day quarantine. But, after his second COVID test came back negative, Figueiredo was finally cleared to board a flight to “UFC Fight Island” on Monday.
Ahead of his UFC title rematch, Figueiredo said he is expecting a change in strategy from Benavidez, but says the result will be the same.
“Benavidez is truly dangerous and cannot be underestimated,” Figueiredo said. “We’ve mapped out his game. He’s not too versatile, and always brings the same game in every fight. We’re confident that he’ll try a new strategy against me for July 18, but we’re getting ready with that in mind.
“After watching our last fight, I’ve made a few changes myself. It could all end in the first round. I’m training to knock that dude out and grab my belt. I never underestimate anyone. I always expect to face the best. On the 18th, I’m looking forward to yet another victory.”
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