Deiveson Figueiredo

Deiveson Figueiredo: The Brazilian Former UFC Flyweight Champion

Deiveson "Deus da Guerra" Figueiredo, born on December 18, 1987, in Soure, Pará, Brazil, is one of the most dominant and powerful fighters in the history of the UFC flyweight division. Figueiredo is known for his explosive power, his ability to finish fights quickly, and his strong grappling skills. As a former UFC flyweight champion, he has defended the title multiple times and built an impressive legacy in the division.

Early Life and Career

Figueiredo grew up in northern Brazil, where he initially worked as a cattle herder. He began his martial arts career with capoeira and later Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu before transitioning to MMA. Figueiredo made his professional MMA debut in 2012 and quickly made a name for himself in regional Brazilian promotions with his aggressive style and strong knockout power.

With an impressive undefeated record of 11-0, Figueiredo earned a chance in the UFC, where he would further showcase his explosive style.

UFC Career

Deiveson Figueiredo made his UFC debut in 2017 at UFC Fight Night 100, where he defeated Marco Beltrán via TKO in the second round. From that moment, he established himself as a top contender in the flyweight division.

His breakthrough came in July 2020, when he defeated Joseph Benavidez to win the vacant UFC flyweight title. Figueiredo won the fight via submission in the first round, becoming champion. He then successfully defended his title against Alex Perez at UFC 255, also winning via submission in the first round.

One of the most memorable moments of Figueiredo's career was his rivalry with Brandon Moreno. The duo fought four times in one of the most intense rivalries in flyweight division history. Their first encounter in December 2020 at UFC 256 ended in a draw, leading to a rematch. In their second fight, Figueiredo lost the title to Moreno at UFC 263 in June 2021, but he regained the title in their third meeting at UFC 270 in January 2022. Their rivalry ultimately ended in January 2023 at UFC 283, where Moreno won the title definitively.

Style and Technique

Deiveson Figueiredo is known for his explosive and aggressive fighting style. He has an excellent mix of powerful striking and technical grappling, allowing him to dominate opponents both standing and on the ground. His ability to force knockouts in a weight class usually characterized by fast and technical fighting makes him a unique force in the division.

Figueiredo's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a key part of his game, and he has secured multiple wins via submission, particularly using guillotine and rear-naked chokes. His strong defensive skills and ability to capitalize on openings have helped him finish opponents quickly.

Future Ambitions

After his intense rivalry with Brandon Moreno and multiple title fights in the flyweight division, Figueiredo has expressed interest in moving up to the bantamweight division. With his fighter mentality and determination, Figueiredo remains ambitious and wants to prove himself again in a new division. His goal is to break through in the bantamweight class and chase a new title.

Conclusion

Deiveson Figueiredo is one of the most impressive and powerful fighters in the history of the UFC flyweight division. His explosive style, ability to finish quickly, and relentless fighting spirit have helped him build a legendary career. As he possibly seeks new challenges in the bantamweight division, Figueiredo remains a fighter to watch because of his skills and achievements.