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Flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo wants Cody Garbrandt to recover quickly from his injury.
The UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo was bummed to learn that former bantamweight title-holder Cody Garbrandt would not be challenging him for the belt in November, following a recent bicep injury. ‘No Love’ was forced to leave the UFC 255 card to rehab his arm, but was quickly replaced by rising contender Alex Perez.
Despite the new opponent, in an interview with Ag Fight, ‘Deus da Guerra’ revealed that he’s still got his eye on the former bantamweight king. Even going so far as to wish Garbrandt a speedy recovery, just so Figueiredo can have the chance to KO him in the Octagon.
“I was pretty excited to fight such a strong guy and a former bantamweight champion, but he injured his bicep. I always talk to him in private and he told me about the injury. I wished him a speedy recovery and said I’d be expecting him so we can settle the score. I’ll be ready to knock him out once he’s available.”
As for Perez, it doesn’t sound like Figueiredo holds his next challenger in nearly as high regard. The Brazilian revealed he feels superior to Perez in every aspect of the game and expects another knockout win for his highlight reel.
“He (Perez) is not on the same level as Cody Garbrandt. Cody is much more talented than he is, but I’m training as if I would still fight Cody. I want to show Alex Perez just how much above his level I am. He better believe it I’m coming to knock him out. I don’t see him as a dangerous opponent for me. I think I’m more well-rounded in every area.”
In his last outing, Figueiredo (19-1) officially picked up the flyweight title, with a KO victory Joseph Benavidez. The win put the 32-year-old on a four-fight winning streak, including victories over Alexandre Pantoja, and Tim Elliott. His last, and only, loss came in March 2019, when he dropped a unanimous decision to Jussier Formiga.
The champion is set to defend his belt on November 21, in Las Vegas, Nevada. A women’s flyweight title fight, between champion Valentina Shevchenko and challenger Jennifer Maia, is currently set for the co-main event. Stay tuned to Bloody Elbow for more news as fight night approaches.