Former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo made his successful debut at 135 pounds by scoring a unanimous decision win over longtime veteran Rob Font, a performance that was good enough to land the Brazilian at No. 8 in the official bantamweight rankings.
Reigning 135-pound titleholder, Sean O’Malley, was not impressed.
“I think that he has something to worry about,” Figueiredo told MMA Fighting. “I’m the original. And if he’s the virus, I’m the antivirus to him. I think I have a big name coming into the division. I think that’s definitely a possibility. I’m a two-time former champion. My last fight at 125 [pounds against Brandon Moreno,] I had not had a good camp and now I am great. I feel that could be a possibility. However, I will patiently await what the UFC has in mind for me.”
O’Malley defends his title against bitter rival Marlon Vera at UFC 299.
Expect Figueiredo, 36, to compete at least once more, since the winner of O’Malley vs. Vera will likely move on to defend against the winner of Merab Dvalishvili vs. Henry Cejudo, who collide at UFC 298 for a spot in the 135-pound title chase.