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Dana White says it’s “insane” and “unprofessional” that Figueiredo to miss weight for his UFC title shot.
Deiveson Figueiredo missed the flyweight limit by 2.5 lbs, and has forfeited his chance to win the UFC title on his headlining bout against Joseph Benavidez. The Brazilian’s camp cited health issues and stomach pain that stopped him from cutting weight, but Dana White was obviously not happy about the development.
On a video to promote the upcoming ESPN+ card, the UFC President wasn’t shy about his feelings and slammed the main event fighter for missing weight.
“Let’s start with the main event, Joseph Benavidez vs Deiveson. For those of you who don’t know, Deiveson did not make weight,” White said while shaking his head in disappointment. “Insane! Unprofessional! How do you show up for a title fight and not make weight?
“What does this mean? It means that if Benavidez wins the fight, he is the new champion. If Deiveson wins the fight, the championship goes vacant.”
Benavidez is currently a slight betting favorite to win the UFC flyweight title. The pair will headline the ESPN+ card in Norfolk, with the main card starting at 8 p.m. ET.