Deiveson Figueiredo made a successful bantamweight debut at UFC Austin, defeating Rob Font by unanimous decision. ‘Deus da Guerra’ dominated the fight from start to finish and won all three rounds on the judges’ scorecards.
After the fight former bantamweight champ Aljamain Sterling sent a message to the Brazilian regarding his prediction about Deiveson’s debut. Many people predicted that the former flyweight champion’s smaller stature would cause him problems in his new weight class in the run-up to the fight.
Aljamain Sterling hails Deiveson Figueiredo
Aljamain Sterling was impressed by Deiveson Figueiredo, but Aljamain had a different forecast in mind. He initially thought Rob Font would beat Figueiredo because he was smaller. That, however, was not the case.
Aljamain said, “This is super impressive from Figgy. I said he’d be too small but he’d be the faster the guy in there and that Font will eventually wear on him put him down. Figgy proved me wrong and looks great at 135! Thanks for the motivation for my move up! “
This is super impressive from Figgy. I said he’d be too small but he’d be the faster the guy in there and that Font will eventually wear on him put him down. Figgy proved me wrong and looks great at 135! Thanks for the motivation for my move up! #UFCAustin
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) December 3, 2023
Nonetheless, the former bantamweight champion stated that Deiveson Figueiredo proved him wrong by winning his first 135-pound fight. Aljamain Sterling was inspired by his performance to move up to the featherweight division.
Deiveson Figueiredo beats Rob Font
Both fighters approached the fight with caution. Deiveson Figueiredo took Rob Font down with a takedown, but the latter quickly got back up. ‘Deus Da Guerra’ attempted another takedown, but Font escaped that situation despite his best efforts. Figueiredo made some good strikes but was unable to capitalize on them.
In the second round, the Brazilian continued his attempt to take down Font. He did, however, land a knee strike in the groin of the American, but they continued fighting. Deiveson landed some great right-handed strikes and took down Rob Font again, but he quickly recovered.
The former flyweight champion fought hard in the third round, attempting another takedown on his opponent but failing to take and hold him down. Figueiredo wobbled Font with a strong right hand, and it appeared the fight was about to end there, but both fighters continued trading strikes.
I think it’s safe to say Deiveson Figueiredo is going to be a problem for anyone at 135 #UFCAustin pic.twitter.com/B6A3n7WP2s
— 𝐉𝐚𝐲🤼 (@JayMMA4) December 3, 2023
‘Deus Da Guerra’ scored a takedown this time and attempted ground and pound, but the American resisted. The final round quickly concluded, and Figueiredo had won his first bantamweight fight. After the match, Deiveson Figueiredo gave a post-match speech, letting his fans and the world know how great he felt and how blessed he was feeling for fighting at 135.
Deiveson Figueiredo speaks after beating Rob Font 👀👏 pic.twitter.com/DVzhYRQqHn
— Best MMA Moments (@XcellentMMA) December 3, 2023
It might have been just one fight in the bantamweight division but Deiveson Figueiredo has shown some promise in his first fight in the bantamweight division. After a unanimous decision victory, it will be interesting to see how he compares to the other fighters in the division. Meanwhile, Rob Font would like to get back in the win column in his next fight.
