Where Does Deiveson Figueiredo Go from Here?
Deivseon Figueiredo’s dream of becoming a two-division champion may have become a nightmare. When the announcement was made that the former two-time Flyweight Champion would be taking on longtime Bantamweight contender Cory Sandhagen in the main event of UFC Des Moines, many labeled the fight as a must-win for both men. A loss for either of the Bantamweight headliners would almost ensure they would not compete for undisputed gold. Unfortunately for the Brazillian, it would be Figueiredo who would have his Bantamweight Championship aspirations crushed.
When Deiveson Figueiredo made a move up to Bantamweight, he did so to make history. Up until 2023, Figueiredo was a prominent fighter in the Flyweight Division. Capturing the UFC Flyweight Championship two times during his illustrious Flyweight career, it was after his fourth fight with Brandon Moreno that Figueiredo decided to make the jump up to 135. After the Brazillian began his run in the Bantamweight Division with three straight wins, it seemed it would only be a matter of time before Deiveson Figueiredo could add his name to the list of fighters to win a UFC Championship in two divisions. Figueiredo would suffer his first defeat in his new division, at the hands of Bantamweight great Petr Yan in a fight in which he was outlanded by 68 strikes. Coming off of a loss to Yan meant that a win against Sandhagen would become vital for Figueiredo to become a two-division champion.
Entering the fight, it was presumed that if Figueiredo was to defeat the Colorado native, it would be through his grappling. Although Deiveson Figueiredo was a Flyweight for most of his career, the strength he possessed translated well to the Bantamweight division. Mix in Cory Sandhagen’s elite striking, and it seemed the only path to victory Figueiredo would have is through the ground game. Ironically enough, it would be on the ground in which Figueiredo would suffer a gruesome defeat. The UFC Des Moines main event wouldn’t make it past the second round, as ‘Deus Da Guerra’ would injure his knee in a 50-50 position on the ground with Sandhagen.
Deiveson Figueiredo is 37 years old now. Adding the time it will take to rehab his knee and get back into fight shape, we might not see Figueiredo in the octagon again until he is 38. Historically, the lighter weight classes do not favor fighters over 35. When discussing what’s next for Figueiredo, the obvious answer is to heal. At Figueiredo’s age, rushing an injury to return to the octagon is certainly not in his best interest. Figueiredo’s team and management should keep his health in mind, and perhaps realize that the best days are behind the ‘God of War’.
