Deiveson Figueiredo – Page 30 – Syndication Server

UFC on ESPN+ 27 headliner Joseph Benavidez talks opponent missing weight

Michael Bisping previews UFC on ESPN+ 27 title fight, more

UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping once said he’d “(expletive) strangle” Joseph Benavidez. Now Bisping calls his title fight at UFC on ESPN+ 27.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – A new flyweight champion will be crowned Saturday when the UFC returns to Virginia for the fifth time in company history.

UFC on ESPN+ 27 takes place at Chartway Arena in Norfolk, Va. The entire card streams on ESPN+.

In the main event, either [autotag]Joseph Benavidez[/autotag] (28-5 MMA, 15-3 UFC) or [autotag]Deiveson Figueiredo[/autotag] (17-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) will claim the 125-pound belt relinquished by Henry Cejudo late last year and become just the third fighter in company history to hold that belt, joining Cejudo and Demetrious Johnson.

Elsewhere on the card, the future of the women’s featherweight division will be sorted with [autotag]Felicia Spencer[/autotag] (7-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) vs. [autotag]Zarah Fairn[/autotag] (6-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC) and [autotag]Megan Anderson[/autotag] (10-4 MMA, 2-2 UFC) vs. [autotag]Norma Dumont[/autotag] (4-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) likely fighting to determine who will next challenge divisional queen Amanda Nunes.

Ahead of the card, former UFC middleweight champion turned UFC analyst [autotag]Michael Bisping[/autotag] talked to MMA Junkie to break down all the top storylines on the card.

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Ahead of UFC on ESPN+ 27, check out the preview video above.

Deiveson Figueiredo misses weight on first attempt for UFC on ESPN+ 27 title fight

The state of Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 27 title fight hangs in the balance after Deiveson Figueiredo missed weight on his first attempt.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – The state of Saturday’s vacant flyweight title fight hangs in the balance after [autotag]Deiveson Figueiredo[/autotag] missed weight on his first attempt.

Figueiredo (17-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) was the final fighter to step on the scale at Friday’s official weigh-in, and he came in 2.5 pounds over the required 125-pound limit for his planned championship bout with [autotag]Joseph Benavidez[/autotag] (28-5 MMA, 15-3 UFC), which headlines UFC on ESPN+ 27.

After the miss, Figueiredo was granted an additional hour to cut weight. He has until 11:45 a.m. ET local time to step on the scale the final time. MMA Junkie will provide additional updates as the situation develops.

If Figueiredo does not hit the mark, but still is cleared to compete, the belt will be on the line for Benavidez only. A win by Figueiredo would not award him the title and would keep the belt, vacated by Henry Cejudo late in 2018, still vacant.

UFC on ESPN+ 27 takes place at Chartway Arena in Norfolk, Va. The entire card streams on ESPN+.

UFC on ESPN+ 27: Joseph Benavidez, Deiveson Figueiredo official weigh-ins in Norfolk

UFC on ESPN+ 27: Deiveson Figueiredo aims to inspire children of Brazil by bringing home UFC title

Deiveson Figueiredo isn’t lacking motivation entering UFC on ESPN+ 27.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – [autotag]Deiveson Figueiredo[/autotag] isn’t lacking motivation entering UFC on ESPN+ 27.

Whether it be the words of his opponent, Joseph Benavidez, or the backing of his home country, Figueiredo (17-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) indicated he’s inspired ahead of Saturday’s headlining fight.

“Ever since I entered the organization, I thought I’d get a title shot,” Figueiredo told reporters, including MMA Junkie, through an interpreter at a media day held Thursday. “I was sure about that. I don’t play around when I get in the ring. The crowd really enjoys watching me fight, and once I’m in there, I don’t play around. I’m sure I’m ready. I’m going to get it this time.”

Figueiredo hasn’t taken lightly to recent comments made by Benavidez (28-5 MMA, 15-3 UFC). While Figueiredo didn’t elaborate on what specific comments bothered him most, he said he’ll be keeping Benavidez’s words in mind.

“I’m going to have no mercy on Saturday; I do have a problem with this guy,” Figueiredo said. “He was saying things about me without knowing anything about me. I’m very confident if he stands there, he’s going to strike. I’m going to rip his head off. If he grapples, I’m going to finish him. I’m very confident I’m going to win this fight on Saturday.”

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A proud Brazilian, Figueiredo thinks he’s ready to bring title gold back to home country. While Amanda Nunes has successfully represented Brazil time and time again, the UFC has not had a male titleholder since Jose Aldo lost his belt in late 2017. Figueiredo hopes a title win will inspire the next generation of Brazilians.

“It would mean a lot for me,” Figueiredo said. “I’d be really happy to bring the title back. It would also mean a lot for the people in Brazil. It’s called by God: I’m going to get this title.

“I want to be an example for all the kids in Brazil. I also want to show I can be professional. You don’t have to talk a lot. All the kids in the world, I want to make sure they see it’s possible to make it. I’m ready for this title on Saturday.”

UFC on ESPN+ 27 takes place Saturday at Chartway Arena in Norfolk, Va. The card streams on ESPN+.

Check out Deiveson Figueiredo’s full UFC on ESPN+ 27 pre-fight media scrum in the video above.

UFC on ESPN+ 27: Deiveson Figueiredo media day interview

Deiveson Figueiredo talks with members of media ahead of UFC on ESPN+ 27

UFC on ESPN+ 27 pre-event facts: How Joseph Benavidez can make history with title win

The best stats and figures about UFC on ESPN+ 27, which features a Joseph Benavidez vs. Deiveson Figueiredo main event.

The UFC hosts an event in Virginia for the fifth time in company history on Saturday with UFC on ESPN+ 27, which goes down at Chartway Arena in Norfolk and streams on ESPN+.

A new flyweight champion will be crowned in the main event. [autotag]Joseph Benavidez[/autotag] (28-5 MMA, 15-3 UFC) attempts to complete his long journey to UFC gold when he meets the once-beaten [autotag]Deiveson Figueiredo[/autotag] (17-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) for the vacant strap.

For more on the numbers behind the card, check below for 30 pre-event facts about UFC on ESPN+ 27.

* * * *

Main event

Benavidez, 35, can become the oldest fighter to claim a UFC title at welterweight or below.

Benavidez competes in his fourth UFC/WEC title fight. He’s 0-3 in previous opportunities.

Benavidez competes in his 17th UFC flyweight bout, the most appearances in divisional history.

Benavidez’s total fight time of 3:03:30 in UFC flyweight competition is second most in divisional history behind Demetrious Johnson (4:39:12).

Benavidez’s 13 victories in UFC flyweight competition are tied with Johnson for most in divisional history.

Benavidez’s six stoppage victories in UFC flyweight competition are second most in divisional history behind Johnson (seven).

Benavidez’s six knockdowns landed in UFC flyweight competition are second most in divisional history behind John Lineker (seven).

Benavidez’s five knockout victories in UFC flyweight competition are most in divisional history.

Benavidez’s four fight-night bonuses for UFC flyweight bouts are second most in divisional history behind Johnson (nine).

Figueiredo becomes the second Brazilian to fight for the UFC flyweight title. Wilson Reis also accomplished the feat.

Figueiredo has earned 14 of his 17 career victories by stoppage. That includes four of his UFC wins.

Figueiredo lands 52.7 percent of his significant strike attempts in UFC flyweight competition, the best rate among active fighters in the weight class.

Figueiredo attempts 2.4 submissions per 15 minutes of fighting in UFC flyweight competition, the highest rate in divisional history.

Remaining main card

[autotag]Zarah Fairn[/autotag] (6-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC), 36, is the oldest of the 24 fighters scheduled to compete at the event.

[autotag]Ion Cutelaba[/autotag] (15-4 MMA, 4-3 UFC) has earned 14 of his 15 career victories by stoppage. He’s finished 12 of those wins by knockout.

Cutelaba has earned eight of his career victories in 30 seconds or less.

Cutelaba lands 5.27 significant strikes per minute in UFC light heavyweight competition, the highest rate among active fighters in the weight class.

[autotag]Magomed Ankalaev[/autotag]’s (12-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) three-fight UFC winning streak at light heavyweight is tied with Glover Teixeira and Ryan Spann for the second longest active streak in the division behind Jon Jones (four).

Ankalaev is the only light heavyweight in UFC history to earn multiple knockout victories stemming from kicks.

[autotag]Megan Anderson[/autotag] (10-4 MMA, 2-2 UFC) competes in her fifth UFC women’s featherweight bout, tied with Cris Cyborg for the most appearances in divisional history.

Anderson’s two victories in UFC women’s featherweight competition are second most in divisional history behind Cyborg (four).

Anderson’s two stoppage victories in UFC women’s featherweight competition are tied with Cyborg for most in divisional history.

Anderson has the only triangle choke submission finish in UFC women’s featherweight history. She accomplished the feat at UFC 243.

Preliminary card

[autotag]Brendan Allen[/autotag] (13-3 MMA, 1-0 UFC) has earned 12 of his 13 career victories by stoppage. He’s finished both of his UFC wins by submission.

[autotag]Tom Breese[/autotag] (11-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC) competes for just the second time since June 2016.

Breese was successful in his UFC middleweight debut at UFC Fight Night 130 in May 2018.

[autotag]Marcin Tybura[/autotag] (17-6 MMA, 4-5 UFC) is 1-4 in his past five fights dating back to June 2017.

Tybura defends 81.5 percent of all opponent takedown attempts in UFC heavyweight competition, the third best rate in divisional history behind Alexander Volkov (82.8 percent) and Junior Dos Santos (81.8 percent).

[autotag]Serghei Spivac[/autotag] (10-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) has earned all nine of his career victories by stoppage. He’s finished eight of those wins in Round 1.

[autotag]Ismail Naurdiev[/autotag] (19-3 MMA, 2-1 UFC), 23, is the youngest of the 24 fighters scheduled to compete at the event.

UFC research analyst and live statistics producer Michael Carroll contributed to this story. Follow him on Twitter @MJCflipdascript.

Deiveson Figueiredo surprised to be fighting for undisputed title at UFC on ESPN+ 27

Deiveson Figueiredo didn’t expect to be fighting for the undisputed title, but he’ll take it.

[autotag]Deiveson Figueiredo[/autotag] didn’t think he’d be fighting for real gold this weekend.

The flyweight contender takes on Joseph Benavidez in the main event of UFC on ESPN+ 27 on Saturday night in Norfolk, Va. It’s a five-round contest that’s set to crown the new champion of the UFC’s 125-pound division.

Figueiredo (17-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) thought he’d end up fighting for the belt, but the interim version. The Brazilian was caught off guard by Henry Cejudo’s decision to relinquish his flyweight title, thus making his fight against Benavidez (28-5 MMA, 15-3 UFC) for the undisputed belt.

“We didn’t expect that Cejudo would have to surrender his belt,” Figueiredo told MMA Junkie. “I had been asking to face Benavidez for an interim belt, since I was the only suitable opponent for him. Formiga already lost to Benavidez, while I beat Pantoja around the same time. The promotion decided to make ours the fight for the linear belt.

“I was very happy and surprised when that announcement was made. This proves that God is great. Now is the time. I’ll capture for the championship belt, in Jesus’ name. I’m very ready to fight Benavidez – body and mind.”

This is not the first time Figueiredo has been booked to fight Benavidez. The two were scheduled to meet a year ago, but the fight didn’t materialize. Figueiredo is glad he’s fighting Benavidez now and not then.

“This bout was supposed to have already taken place,” Figueiredo explained. “In truth, it was a good thing we didn’t fight. I had been dealing with a bad pelvic injury, and was way above weight.

“Soon thereafter, I did face Jussier Formiga. I ended up losing, as I couldn’t train properly. I took that loss as a learning experience. It only served to increase my focus.

“Today, I’m stronger, more complete, and much more prepared to face Benavidez. It’s going to be an amazing fight. I’ll step into the cage with the goal of knocking him out. He’s been talking trash, claiming I was afraid. We’ll settle this on February 29.”

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Along with health, other factors differ from the first time Figueiredo was booked to face Benavidez. “The God of War” believes he now has a more stable approach to his preparation and thinks that will play a big role when the duo meet in Norfolk.

“I didn’t have a proper team before,” Figueiredo said. “I’d train with the Marajo brothers (Iuri and Ildemar Alcantara). Now I put together my own team, where everyone and all training sessions are done with me in mind. I have an excellent team who’s great at studying my opponents. I’m very well prepared. I feel like a new fighter. The world will get a new champion. I am that champion.”

If victorious, Figueiredo plans to give back to those who helped him get to the top.

“I plan on spending about a month in the U.S. after capturing the belt, but once I’m back home in Brazil, I’d like to come visit everyone who has helped me in the past, to get to where I am today,” Figueiredo said.

“My title is dedicated to them, and to God. I’ve had rough spots. I’ve gone without food. Once, I didn’t have enough money for rent. My father left our mother when we were young, so my siblings and I had to find ways to get the very basics, like clothes. This belt would not only change my life, but also that of my family.”

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UFC on ESPN+ 27 pre-fight facts: Benavidez vs. Figueiredo.mov

Check out the MMA junkie’s John Morgan and Dan Tom’s analysis and predictions for the UFC on ESPN+ 27 main event between Joseph Benavidez and Deiveson Figueiredo.

UFC on ESPN+ 27 free fight: Deiveson Figueiredo makes Tim Elliott pay for takedown attempt

Deiveson Figueiredo has the ability to make opponents pay for the littlest of mistakes.

[autotag]Deiveson Figueiredo[/autotag] has the ability to make opponents pay for the smallest mistakes.

Last October at UFC on ESPN+ 19, [autotag]Tim Elliott[/autotag] found this out the hard way. A former UFC flyweight title challenger, Elliott shot for an ill-advised takedown and paid for it.

After almost three minutes of a feeling-out process, Elliott tried to drag the fight to the ground. However, Figueiredo swiftly snatched hold of Elliott’s neck. No matter how much Elliott strained, he couldn’t escape. Moments later, the American tapped. The win was Figueiredo’s second straight and fourth finish under the UFC banner.

Not only did the victory turn a win into a winning streak, it propelled Figueiredo (17-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) into a title matchup against multi-time challenger Joseph Benavidez (28-5 MMA, 15-3 UFC).

Saturday, the two flyweights will square off for the promotion’s vacated 125-pound title in the main event of UFC on ESPN+ 27. Before they go head-to-head, relive Figueiredo’s first-round submission over Elliott in the full fight video above.

UFC on ESPN+ 27 takes place Saturday at Chartway Arena in Norfolk, Va. The card streams on ESPN+.

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Check out the full UFC on ESPN+ 27 lineup below:

MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET)

Joseph Benavidez vs. Deiveson Figueiredo – for vacant flyweight title
Zarah Fairn vs. Felicia Spencer
Magomed Ankalaev vs. Ion Cutelaba
Megan Anderson vs. Norma Dumont
Grant Dawson vs. Darrick Minner
Kyler Phillips vs. Gabriel Silva

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 5 p.m. ET)

Brendan Allen vs. Tom Breese
Steve Garcia vs. Luis Pena
Serghei Spivac vs. Marcin Tybura
TJ Brown vs. Jordan Griffin
Spike Carlyle vs. Aalon Cruz
Sean Brady vs. Ismail Naurdiev

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