Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Marlon Vera will square off in a Bantamweight contest tonight (Sat. Aug. 3, 2024) at UFC Abu Dhabi from Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Figueiredo has been on fire since moving up to 135 lbs. The former Flyweight champion crashed into the rankings by beating the brakes off Rob Font, then he followed it up by becoming the first man to submit Cody Garbrandt at UFC 300. The strong start to his Bantamweight career has him eyeing gold in a second weight class, and facing a recent title challenger is a great next step. For Vera, this is all about rebounding from a terrible performance against Sean O’Malley. It’s been a while since we’ve seen a vintage “Chito” stoppage win, which may be just what Vera needs to remain a player in the elite mix of his division.
Live updates will begin to flow below the moment the two fighters make their way to the Octagon …
Round One
Figueiredo scores first with a calf kick, but he looks significantly smaller. Vera returns the favor with a chopping low kick. Figgy rips a nasty body shot then forces Vera to the floor with a double leg. Figueiredo lands in closed guard, and neither man can get off much offense. Finally, Vera opens up with some upkicks and scrambles back to his feet. Neither man is throwing a ton of volume, but Figueiredo is controlling the flow of the exchanges so far. Vera tries a jump knee and gets taken down for his trouble.
10-9 Figueiredo
Round Two
Figueiredo goes back to the low kicks early, and he’s timing counters as the Ecuadorian steps forward. Vera has having difficulty getting his hands going, but at least he was able to stuff a few takedown attempts. Figueiredo rips the body with a right hook. Vera trying to jab and find some success, and his low kick is starting to land a bit more often. “Chito” is starting to build momentum. In the last 90 seconds especially, Vera seems to find his range and start connecting at a better clip.
10-9 Vera
Round Three
Figueiredo commits hard to the takedown right away but cannot drag Vera down anymore. Vera chops some low kicks then finds the uppercut. “Daico” is having a difficult time finding holes in Vera’s guard upstairs, but he can land to the body. Vera returns the favor and lands upstairs with a left, but he’s floored by a “Daico” overhand! Vera pops back up, but he’s a little wobbly. Figueiredo kicks him in the chin with a front kick! Vera answers with a left hook counter that settles Figueiredo back down. Double right hand scores for Figueiredo, the second landing well to the ribs. With one minute left, Vera needs something major to take back the round. Both men land in the closing exchanges, but “Chito” can’t find the huge connection he needs.
10-9 Figueiredo
Figgy DROPPED him #InAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi | #UFCAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/hROnUuViRG
— UFC (@ufc) August 3, 2024
Result: Figueiredo defeats Vera via unanimous decision
For complete UFC Abu Dhabi: “Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov” results and play-by-play, click HERE!