Point of interest: Flyweight quicksand
With the flyweight division traditionally featuring fun, technical scrambling stanzas, I suspect that we will get to see both fighter’s grappling styles collide here.
Despite being more known for his striking threats on the feet, Figueiredo – who earned multiple grappling accolades during his time spent under Marajo Brothers Team – translates his power just fine in the grappling department.
More of a positional-based player, Figueiredo likes to apply himself both in the clinch and from topside, as he seems to take great pleasure in making his opposition feel his weight and strength. That said, the Brazilian powerhouse might have a hell of a time trying to pin down Benavidez.
Aside from the previously mentioned footwork and movement, Benavidez can be difficult to secure in a clinch due to his awareness of when and how to leave, as well as when to stay and play. With that in mind, takedowns may become problematic for someone like Figueiredo, who generally grounds his foes from the fence or clinch.
Don’t get me wrong: Figueiredo has shown the ability to effectively change his level for takedowns in the past, I’m just not sure how willing he will be to give his neck to someone who can not only can match him when it comes to guillotine chokes but also works well from the front-headlock position.
As far as ground striking goes, I give a slight edge to Figueiredo for his ability to find slicing elbows from top or bottom. The potential problem, however, is that I’m not sure how easy Benavidez will be to hold in place.
One of the best scramblers this sport has seen throughout the past decade, Benavidez plays a beautiful high-risk, high-reward game that is fun to watch. Similar to his original MMA mentor, Urijah Faber, Benavidez has no issue giving his back to get off of it whenever finding himself grounded.
Savvy from the turtle position, Benavidez is quick to establish an underhook for safety and smartly works for single-legs to reset whenever they become available. And when a fighter is slick enough to insert a hook and establish a legitimate back-take threat, Benavidez is quick to get gravity on his side by putting his opposition between him and the mat as he diligently works out and turns into his foe (all while cleverly underhooking their leg to deny them leverage during the reversal).
If Figueiredo sells out on a guillotine or opts for any sort of takedown offense, he’ll need to be on his best behavior and stay mindful of Benavidez’s strengths; otherwise, he may find himself slowly sinking in a special brand of flyweight quicksand.
Next point of interest: Odds, opinion and prediction