Oct 12, 2019; Tampa, FL, USA; Deiveson Figueiredo (red gloves) reacts against Tim Elliott (not pictured) during UFC Fight Night at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Deiveson Figueiredo says ‘I am the champion’ after beating Joseph Benavidez, despite missing weight
Deiveson Figueiredo says he is the uncrowned flyweight champion after defeating Joseph Benavidez at UFC Norfolk.
The fight was originally set for the vacant flyweight title, yet on Friday, Figueiredo missed weight leaving Benavidez as the only person who could win the belt. So, the worst-case scenario happened as the Brazilian knocked out Benavidez in the second round leaving the flyweight division to have no king.
However, Deiveson Figueiredo believes he is that king as he should be the champion.
“I came out with the win, I’m super happy,” Figueiredo said during the UFC post fight show on ESPN+ (via MMA Fighting). “I knocked out the No. 1 [contender] and I’m the champion. I’m the champion.
“I want to fight for the belt since I left without it tonight. I want a new opportunity to fight for it because I’m the champion.”
In the fight, the Brazilian nearly submitted Benavidez in the first round, but the fan-favorite somehow escaped. Yet, in the second round, the two clashed heads which opened up a cut on the American’s head and right after was dropped and finished.
But, for Figueiredo, he says he always knew he would KO Benavidez and doesn’t remember them clashing heads.
“I knew that if my hand landed on him I would knock him out,” Figueiredo said. “I don’t remember any [clash of heads]. It was my hand that really landed. He went down and I knocked him out, closed the coffin.”
In the end, with the flyweight title vacant, the UFC has yet to address what they will do with the division. Some speculated it would be shut down while others think Deiveson Figueiredo will get another vacant flyweight title fight. For the Brazilian, he will fight whoever the promotion wants him to.
“I’m here for anything the promotion and Dana White wants,” Figueiredo said. “Whoever they put for me, I’ll fight. If he puts me to fight again this month, I’m in. I want to fight.
