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Former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo eyes a return to 125 lbs to fight Joshua Van after his UFC 332 comeback.
UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van continued a new era in the division with an instant classic win over Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 331 earlier this month. Van defeated Pantoja by unanimous decision to retain the flyweight title and seems destined for a clash against top contender Manel Kape next.
Former flyweight titleholder Deiveson Figueiredo, who returns to bantamweight this Saturday at UFC 332, is considered one of the best fighters in flyweight history. In recent months, he’s repeatedly shut down a return to flyweight due to the physical toll he suffered in cutting to 125 lbs.
Ahead of his fight against Payton Talbott this weekend, Figueiredo has seemingly changed his mind on returning to flyweight after UFC 332.
Deiveson Figueiredo promises to ‘knock out’ Joshua Van in targeted flyweight return
During his UFC 332 pre-fight press conference, Figueiredo was asked about potentially returning to flyweight after fighting Talbott, and he made a stunning admission about fighting Van.
“I’ve been asking the UFC and telling them I will make that weight very easily. Just make that fight, I want that opportunity, and we’ll see if his boxing is as good as mine,” Figueiredo said of fighting Van.
“200 percent, it needs to happen. If the UFC gives me that opportunity, I go in there and knock him out. Everyone wants to exchange with him…if he wants to strike with me, in front of me, the effect won’t be the same, and he won’t want to. [Alexandre Pantoja] should’ve used more grappling with the excellent Jiu-Jitsu he has.”
Meanwhile, Figueiredo is looking to return to the win column after recent losses to Song Yadong and Umar Nurmagomedov. As the former champion approaches 40, Figueiredo could potentially push for another flyweight title run after UFC 332.
Should Deiveson Figueiredo return to the UFC flyweight division? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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