.png)
Deiveson Figueiredo, fresh off his third consecutive victory, isn’t buying into the hype surrounding UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley’s punching power. After a dominant unanimous decision win over Marlon Vera earlier this month, Figueiredo (24-3) is eyeing the bantamweight title, and he’s not shy about voicing his confidence.
In a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Figueiredo made it clear that he sees himself as a top contender in the bantamweight division.
“I know this win over ‘Chito’ Vera can take me to a title fight soon,” Figueiredo said. “I don’t know what’s going to happen next. I sell fights better, but I don’t know what Dana [White] and the bosses are planning.”
Figueiredo’s ambition is unmistakable, and he’s ready to take on Sean O’Malley (18-1), who is set to defend his title against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306 in September. The Brazilian is convinced that a showdown with O’Malley is inevitable.
“Sean O’Malley knows I’m a thorn in his side. He’s taking shots at me ever since I moved up in weight, and I’m sure I’m the one he wants to fight. We have to make the boss want this fight too.”
When it comes to analyzing O’Malley’s fighting style, Figueiredo doesn’t mince words.
“O’Malley moves a lot and has good boxing, but we don’t see any power there. He throws a lot of kicks, but we don’t see those hard knockout shots that hurt his opponents, you know?” Figueiredo stated confidently. “It would be really hard for him to knock me out.”
While Figueiredo acknowledges O’Malley’s agility and technical skills, he remains unfazed by the champ’s striking ability. Instead, Figueiredo is ready to bring his own aggressive style to the octagon, confident that he can impose his will and take home the bantamweight belt.
“It would be harder to grapple with Umar and Merab, but I can impose my game and become champion.”
With the bantamweight division heating up, a potential clash between Figueiredo and O’Malley would undoubtedly be a fight to remember. As Figueiredo positions himself as a serious contender, fans are left wondering: Will the UFC brass make this electrifying matchup a reality?
Comments