Deiveson Figueiredo

By FCF Staff

Deiveson Figueiredo is booked to fight Joseph Benavidez this Saturday at UFC Norfolk, and recently he explained why he’s happy the match-up’s taking place now, instead of last year.

Figueiredo was expected to fight Benavidez in early 2019, but the fight didn’t happen, and he ended up fighting Jussier Formiga. The flyweight lost the bout via decision.

Fast forward to today, and Figueiredo is set to fight Benavidez for the vacant flyweight title this Saturday. While talking with MMA Junkie about the fact he’s facing Benavidez this year instead of last, the Brazilian said this:

“This bout was supposed to have already taken place,” Figueiredo said. “In truth, it was a good thing we didn’t fight. I had been dealing with a bad pelvic injury, and was way above weight.

“Soon thereafter, I did face Jussier Formiga. I ended up losing, as I couldn’t train properly. I took that loss as a learning experience. It only served to increase my focus.

“Today, I’m stronger, more complete, and much more prepared to face Benavidez. It’s going to be an amazing fight. I’ll step into the cage with the goal of knocking him out. He’s been talking trash, claiming I was afraid. We’ll settle this on February 29.”

Most recently, the 32-year-old Figueiredo (17-1) submitted Tim Elliott in October. Benavidez (28-5), meanwhile, is coming off a stoppage win over Formiga in June, 2019.