Deiveson Figueiredo (image via UFC/YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Deiveson Figueiredo is calling for a rubber match with Brandon Moreno, but the now-former, flyweight champ could be headed to bantamweight in the not-too-distant future.

Figueiredo faced Moreno in the co-main event of UFC 263, and lost the flyweight title via a third round, rear-naked-choke. The two also fought in December, and the thrilling fight was declared a majority draw. Figueiredo was deducted a point in the contest due to an illegal groin strike.

The Brazilian fighter weighed-in for UFC 263 moments before the deadline, and since his loss, he’s confirmed things did not go well with his weight cut (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“I always have a problem making weight, brother, and it happened the same thing this time,” said Figueiredo.

“I almost didn’t make weight, it was quite complicated, it really was. Maybe that was it, it made me slow, but I felt I was doing well in the fight. I just couldn’t find myself, and when I was about to [find myself] he took my back and submitted me, something I didn’t expect.”

And while discussing his future, the 33-year-old also said this.

“I think about moving up [to bantamweight] but, in order to make that decision, I have to go back home and sit down with my team and talk about it and make the best decision. I have to go back home and talk to my team. [But] let’s see if this trilogy happens, right, man? I asked for the rematch with him.

“I’ll talk to guy team and see what I can do to improve my diet, maybe even bring in my nutritionist with me [to the fights]. I have to go back home to really know what I want to do, man. But, right now, I asked for the trilogy. I clearly won the first one, but they took a point away and made it a draw. That’s what happens when you leave it in the hands of the judges. Their decisions isn’t always pleasant.”

With Saturday’s defeat, Figueiredo’s record slipped to 20-2-1. Moreno moved his record to 19-5-2.