Is the Former Flyweight King Still Elite?
Deiveson Figueiredo is officially set to fight Montel Jackson at UFC Fight Night in Rio on October 11th. This fight has been set as the co-main event with Charles Oliveira vs. Mateusz Gamrot as the main event. Figueiredo is coming off two losses and has been recovering from a knee injury. Jackson is coming into the fight on a six-fight win streak. Figueiredo is getting older, and questions have been arising about his career going forward. He will be looking to make a statement win to prove the doubters wrong.
Figueiredo was once a dominant force in the Flyweight Division, holding the title twice in the division before moving up to the Bantamweight Division. He started off hot with three straight wins, but has struggled ever since. He lost to Petr Yan in November of 2024 by decision. And his most recent fight was in May of this year, where he lost to Cory Sandhagen by TKO in the second round. Figueiredo also suffered a knee injury during this fight, which would need physical therapy and time to heal, but no surgery. He is now fully recovered and looking to make a statement win against Montel Jackson. With a tough beginning to the Bantamweight Division, Figueiredo will need this win to help make his case as to why he is still elite. A loss will show the brutal truth of what age and injuries can do to a fighter’s career, even for those who were once at the top. Figueiredo has a serious challenge in front of him, but a win here can give him a much-needed confidence boost. Figueiredo is known for his finishing instincts and heavy pressure. Jackson is known for his height and reach, along with the momentum on his side. All set up to be a close matchup.
Figueiredo will be fighting in his home country, which will add some much-needed support from the fans. A win here for Figueiredo can solidify him as still a competitive fighter in the Bantamweight Division. A loss may be a sign of the times for the 37-year-old fighter. Regardless, this is shaping up to be a close and exciting matchup.
