Figueiredo Drops, Strangles Benavidez

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Deiveson Figueiredo and Joseph Benavidez rematch tonight (Sat., July 18, 2020) at UFC Fight Night 172 from inside “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The stakes could not be higher in this one, as the first title clash between these two saw Figueiredo win in impressive fashion … without the title. Now that the Brazilian has successfully made weight, he’ll have a chance to start his title reign officially, whereas Benavidez is still looking to snag his first title belt after a decade as a top contender.

It was not meant to be, as Figueiredo seemed to have his opponent’s timing from the first bell. He landed heavy shots early, hurt his opponent repeatedly, and finished the rear naked choke after multiple attempts (watch highlights).

Round One

The two trade kicks to open. Good low kicks from Benavidez early, but Figueiredo fires back a nice spinning kick. Huge right hand behind the ear stuns Benavidez, sending him to his back. Benavidez gives up his back, and the choke seems tight, but Benavidez escapes! Figueiredo attempts another tight choke, but once again, “Beefcake” somehow escapes. AGAIN Benavidez guts his way out of a DEEP rear naked choke. Benavidez is back to his feet. Figueiredo snaps a front kick. Benavidez attacks the lead leg again and lands a body-head combination. The two trade punches in the clinch. Figueiredo drops Benavidez agin, but this time he pops back up. Both men rip the body. One more time, Figueiredo drops Benavidez. Figueiredo advances into mount, drops some elbows, then finally slips an arm under the chin to finish his opponent.

Result: Deiveson Figueiredo defeats Joseph Benavidez via first-round rear naked choke

For complete UFC Fight Night 172 “Figueiredo vs. Benavidez 2” results and play-by-play, click HERE!