Deiveson Figueiredo (24-4-1) is prepared for danger when he shares the Octagon with Cory Sandhagen (17-5).
Figueiredo and Sandhagen will collide in the main event of UFC Des Moines on Saturday. It’s a pivotal fight in the bantamweight division. Figueiredo holds the No. 5 spot on the 135-pound rankings, while Sandhagen is just ahead of him at No. 4.
Advertisement
Speaking to Athlon Sports, Figueiredo explained why Sandhagen is the right opponent for him at this time.
“When I came up to the division, I’m really asking for guys who want to fight me,” Figueiredo said. “He’s another guy that asked to fight me, so let’s see how it goes.”
Making Bantamweight His Home
Deiveson Figueiredo stares down his opponent just before the start of a fight inside the UFC Octagon.(via Zuffa LLC)
This will be Figueiredo’s fourth fight since making the move to bantamweight. The former UFC flyweight titleholder doesn’t miss having to tip the scales at 125 pounds.
“It’s a more comfortable division for me,” Figueiredo said. “I don’t have to suffer so much making weight. I feel Real good at this division, so let’s go after it.”
Path to Second UFC Title Reign
Deiveson Figueiredo poses with the UFC flyweight title.(via Zuffa LLC)
Figueiredo’s last outing was a unanimous decision loss against a fellow ex-UFC champion in Petr Yan. “Deus da Guerra” believes that if he can rebound in his fight with Sandhagen, then he can make a strong case for a shot at the bantamweight championship.
Advertisement
“I’m among the [top five] of the division,” Figueiredo said. “I think all of them deserve a shot, but they’ve all lost to Merab. I’m the only one who hasn’t fought him yet, so I think I’ll get the chance.”
Key to Defeating Sandhagen
Cory Sandhagen throws a punch during his UFC Fight Night showdown against Marlon “Chito” Vera.(via Zuffa LLC)
Going into his showdown with Sandhagen, Figueiredo is aware of the challenges that his opponent will present.
“It’s a dangerous fight,” Figueiredo admitted. “I have to be very aggressive. I have to stop him. I can’t let him move around, and that’s what I intend to do. I fought a lot of guys,” Figueiredo said. “He’s a tall guy and a very versatile guy. Let’s see how I fit against him.”
Dvalishvili vs. O’Malley 2 prediction
Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili lock eyes before their UFC 306 headliner begins.(via Zuffa LLC)
The next UFC bantamweight title fight is scheduled to take place at UFC 316 on June 7. It’ll be champion Merab Dvalishvili defending his gold against Sean O’Malley in a rematch. Figueiredo shared his prediction for the fight.
Advertisement
“Merab has a great style,” Figueiredo said. “If you think you’re going to get taken down, he boxes. If you think he’s going to box, you get taken down. I think he’s going to confuse O’Malley’s head, and he’s going to win.”
‘Figgy’s’ Time to Shine Again?
Ahead of their UFC Des Moines main event, Cory Sandhagen and Deiveson Figueiredo have a staredown.(via Zuffa LLC)
Going into UFC Des Moines, Figueiredo is expecting a stern test in Sandhagen. Ultimately, the former UFC flyweight titleholder is confident in his ability to score the victory.
“I want to come out with the win,” Figueiredo said. “I’m the ‘God of War.’ I’m fighting against a sprinter, so it’s going to be a fun fight. I’m going to come out with the win.”
Related: Exclusive: Bo Nickal Responds to Critics, Assesses Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev
