Deiveson Figueiredo and Joseph Benavidez to rematch for vacant flyweight title in July
The UFC will try again to crown a flyweight champion. The first attempt came in February, in which Deiveson Figueiredo defeated Joseph Benavidez in their flyweight title fight. Only problem was, Figueiredo missed weight, therefore he was ineligible to win the belt.
Now the two men will run it back in July. MMA Junkie, who first reported the news, said the bout is expected to take place on July 18 and a location to be determined.
Prior to the belt being vacated, Henry Cejudo ruled over the division. Cejudo opted to leave the weight class, making Figueiredo (18-1) and Benavidez (28-6) as the next contenders to fight for UFC flyweight gold.
In February, Figueiredo picked up a second-round knockout over Benavidez. Moments before the finish, Figueiredo accidentally head butted Benavidez. Given the drama and controversy surrounding their first meeting, UFC president Dana White said an immediate rematch was necessary.
Deiveson Figueiredo has been on a tear since entering the UFC in 2017, posting a 7-1 record in the promotion. His lone loss came to Jussier Formiga in March 2019. Since the loss, he has won three fights in a row.
This fight will mark the fourth time that Benavidez will try to capture UFC gold. While he is 0-3 in title fights, Benavidez has been one of the best flyweights in UFC history.
