UFC 332 is just around the corner, and Deiveson Figueiredo has a big challenge ahead of him. The former two-time flyweight champion is set to face Payton Talbott on the main card of the Salt Lake City event on October 3. However, despite spending nearly three years at 135 pounds, Figueiredo has his sights set on a return to flyweight and a shot at Joshua Van’s title.
During UFC 332 media day, Figueiredo revealed that he has already asked the UFC to move him back down to flyweight for a chance to become a three-time champion against the current titleholder.
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Deiveson Figueiredo Confident He Can Finish Joshua Van in UFC Flyweight Title Fight
Speaking to reporters, Figueiredo said, “I’ve been asking the UFC and telling them I will make that weight very easy. I’ve been asking them to just make the fight; I want that opportunity, and let’s see if his boxing is as good as mine.”
The Brazilian is also confident that he has what it takes to finish Van if he makes his return to the division he once dominated. Figueiredo claimed, “Two hundred percent. It needs to happen. The UFC gives me an opportunity, I go out there and knock him out.”
The former champion also compared his striking with Van’s and explained why he believes the matchup could favor him. He added, “Everybody wants to exchange with him, and he’s a striker. I’m a striker and a grappler, so believe me, if he wants to strike with me, the effect won’t be the same, and he will not want to exchange with me.”
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Figueiredo also shared his thoughts on Alexandre Pantoja’s game plan at UFC 331, where Van successfully defended his title against the longtime former champion in a five-round masterclass.
The Brazilian said, “Pantoja’s an amazing fighter, but I think the game plan was wrong because he was just trying to push the striking in this fight. Why not use more grappling in this fight with the excellent jiu-jitsu he’s got?”
Seeing Figueiredo back at 125 pounds would certainly be interesting, especially considering the power he carries for the division. However, Van represents the new generation of flyweights and has already made a strong case for himself at just 24 years old. The champion has two title defenses under his belt, with wins over Tatsuro Taira at UFC 328 and Pantoja at UFC 331.
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Figueiredo, meanwhile, is currently riding a two-fight losing streak and has seen much of his former championship momentum disappear. At 38 years old, the Brazilian is also well past his prime, making a return to the lighter weight class a risky move.
On top of that, contenders such as Manel Kape could be next in line for a shot at Van’s title, potentially making Figueiredo’s desired comeback at 125 pounds even more difficult.
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