Deiveson Figueiredo Scores Historic Knockdown and Decision Win Over Chito Vera at UFC Abu Dhabi

UFC Abu Dhabi: Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Chito Vera

In a thrilling bout at UFC Abu Dhabi, former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo made a compelling case for a title shot in the bantamweight division by defeating Marlon “Chito” Vera. Figueiredo, now riding a three-fight winning streak at bantamweight, delivered a standout performance, including the first-ever knockdown on Vera, solidifying his victory with scores of 29-28, 29-28, and 30-27 from the judges.

Figueiredo's determination to become a two-division champion was evident throughout the fight. Reflecting on his win, he addressed Vera and UFC President Dana White, saying,

“Hey Chito, thank you so much today. Hey Dana [White], I beat this guy tonight. Merab [Dvalishvili], [Sean] O’Malley, I want the title, I want to be next.”

From the outset, Vera sought to dictate the pace, taking the center of the octagon and pressing forward with aggressive strikes. However, Figueiredo’s counter-wrestling proved effective, as he secured a well-timed takedown early in the first round. Although Vera managed to return to his feet with some powerful up-kicks, the tone of the fight had been set.

Vera's efforts to establish control continued with a spectacular jumping knee, but Figueiredo’s quick reflexes led to another takedown, though he couldn’t capitalize before the round ended. As the fight progressed, Vera's striking began to find its mark, tagging Figueiredo with a series of precise punches.

The turning point came in the final round. Just as Vera appeared to be gaining momentum, Figueiredo landed a devastating right hand, sending Vera crashing to the canvas. This historic knockdown marked the first time Vera had ever been dropped in his career and significantly influenced the judges’ decision.

Despite Vera's resilience and moments of success, Figueiredo’s speed and power ultimately carried him through the bout. The two bantamweights exchanged heavy blows right up until the final horn, but it was Figueiredo’s knockdown that sealed the deal in this closely contested fight.

Vera, who had previously challenged Sean O’Malley for the bantamweight title, struggled to keep pace with the dynamic Brazilian. While it remains uncertain if this win will immediately earn Figueiredo a title shot, his impressive performance certainly places him in the conversation among top contenders.

With his eyes set on the bantamweight belt, Figueiredo’s victory over a formidable opponent like Vera showcases his readiness to challenge the division’s elite. As he continues his ascent, fans and fighters alike will be watching closely to see if Figueiredo can join the ranks of UFC’s two-division champions.