Deiveson Alcântara Figueiredo

Deiveson “Daico” Figueiredo is a Brazilian UFC veteran, a two-time former UFC flyweight champion, and one of the defining Brazilian MMA fighters of his generation.

Profile

The story

Figueiredo built a professional career from 2012 through the Brazilian regional circuit and Jungle Fight. He made his UFC debut in 2017 and captured the vacant flyweight title in July 2020 with a technical submission victory over Joseph Benavidez.

After title defenses against Alex Perez and a draw with Brandon Moreno, he lost the belt in 2021, only to win it back against Moreno in January 2022. In January 2023, he definitively lost the title in their fourth meeting. He then moved up to bantamweight and defeated, among others, Rob Font, Cody Garbrandt, and Marlon Vera.

In the ring

Fighting style

Submission-focused MMA style with a dangerous guillotine, explosive stand-up work, and serious knockout power. His ground game is built on his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and his early experience with luta marajoara.

Results

Performance

Two-time UFC flyweight champion, with title reigns from 2020 to 2021 and from 2022 to 2023. Fastest title defense in the UFC flyweight division against Alex Perez. Named Fighter of the Year 2020 by multiple media outlets. Three-time Fight of the Night bonus winner. Record holder in several UFC flyweight categories, including knockdowns and submission attempts at the time of measurement.

Over the years

Timeline

December 18, 1987: born in Soure, Pará, Brazil.
February 2012: professional MMA debut.
Late 2014: joins Jungle Fight.
June 3, 2017: UFC debut with a victory over Marco Beltrán.
July 19, 2020: wins the vacant UFC flyweight title via technical submission against Joseph Benavidez.
November 21, 2020: defends the title against Alex Perez.
December 12, 2020: draws with Brandon Moreno and retains the title.
June 12, 2021: loses the title to Brandon Moreno at UFC 263.
January 22, 2022: recaptures the title against Moreno at UFC 270.
January 21, 2023: definitively loses the title to Moreno at UFC 283.
December 2, 2023: makes his bantamweight debut with a victory over Rob Font.
April 13, 2024: defeats Cody Garbrandt at UFC 300.
August 3, 2024: defeats Marlon Vera.

Influence

Legacy

Figueiredo’s two UFC flyweight titles, his Fighter of the Year honors, and his four-fight series with Brandon Moreno form the core of his sporting legacy. The combination of title achievements, division records, and a long-standing presence at the top makes him a legend of the modern UFC.