Figueiredo wants to make it clear to White why flyweight ‘must go on’

Flyweight Deiveson Figueiredo takes on Joseph Benavidez in January and vows to make it an exciting bout.

Just like to all other UFC flyweights, a grim fate looms over the head of prospect Deiveson Figueiredo. With the potential dissolving of the division in 2019, which could leave most athletes without a job inside the Octagon, the rising contender guarantees not to be scared of the end.

In an interview for Globo Esporte Para, “Deus da Guerra” explained he’ll move up to the bantamweight division if he has to, but banks on his exciting fighting style to convince UFC president, Dana White, that flyweight must continue.

“I wasn’t told anything yet,” Figueiredo said. “If I must move up, you can be sure I’ll put on a show just the same. They’re saying the division will end, but I’m sure it won’t. If it’s up to me, it won’t. My fight against Benavidez will be a great one and will make it clear to Dana why he can’t erase our division. I have mission in this division, this mission is to win the belt and become an icon of the sport. So, Dana White, I’ll make it clear to you and the world why the division must go on.”

Expected to take on two-time flyweight title challenger Joseph Benavidez at UFC 233, on January 26, Figueiredo confesses he was surprised to be offered the fight, but explains it’ll be a pleasure to take on such an experienced opponent.

“I wasn’t expecting this fight, because I thought I’d be fighting Formiga later on,” he said. “Benavidez is number 3 in the ranking, he’s a top guy, that’s an important fight for me. It’ll be a pleasure to fight him. I’m a fan of his, I really respect him. I used to watch him fight even before I got in the UFC. Not to mention a win over him will put me closer to my goal, the belt.”

Deiveson Figueiredo (15-0) is 4-0 in the UFC. During his run, he hasdefeated the likes of Marco Beltran, Jarred Brooks, Joseph Morales and, most recently a TKO of former title challenger John Moraga in August.