Tag: Deiveson Figueiredo

Petr Yan vs. Deiveson Figueiredo set for UFC Macau, Reinier de Ridder’s debut opponent revealed

Petr Yan vs. Deiveson Figueiredo set for UFC Macau, Reinier de Ridder's debut opponent revealedFormer UFC champions will square off when the promotion returns to China this November. First reported by Leo Guimaraes…

Petr Yan vs. Deiveson Figueiredo set for UFC Macau, Reinier de Ridder's debut opponent revealed

Former UFC champions will square off when the promotion returns to China this November.

First reported by Leo Guimaraes on X, Petr Yan will meet Deiveson Figueiredo on Saturday, November 23 inside the Galaxy Arena in Macau, China. Currently, ‘No Mercy’ is holding things down as the No. 3 ranked contender in the bantamweight division. At the same time, Figueiredo continues to inch his way up the ladder and is standing strong at No. 5.

UFC

The bout could very well act as a potential title eliminator with the winner facing newly minted 135-pound titleholder Merab Dvalishvili — once ‘The Machine’ takes care of some business with Umar Nurmagomedov.

After a year-long layoff, Yan returned to the Octagon at UFC 299 and earned a decisive unanimous decision victory over Song Yadong, snapping a three-fight losing skid in the process. Before that, the former bantamweight champion had suffered back-to-back split decision losses against Aljmain Sterling and Sean O’Malley before being manhandled by Dvalishvili in March 2023.

UFC

Figueiredo, on the other hand, has found immense success in the bantamweight division after moving up following his iconic quadrilogy with former flyweight king Brandon Moreno. Since making his debut at 135, ‘Deus da Guerra’ has bested Rob Font and Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera via decision while adding a second-round submission victory over Cody Garbrandt to his resume.

UFC

Reinier de Ridder books his UFC debut against gerald meerschaert

After news broke that former two-division ONE Championship titleholder Reinier de Ridder had signed with the UFC, we now know who ‘The Dutch Knight’ will face in his Octagon debut.

De Ridder’s tenure with the promotion will officially begin on Saturday, November 9 when he squares off with middleweight mainstay Gerald Meerschaert at UFC Vegas 100.

UFC

In August, Meerschaert became the leader for most finishes in UFC middleweight history in August after submitting Edmen Shahbazyan. It was Meerschaert’s 12th finish at 185 pounds. All 12 of his wins have come by way of submission or knockout inside the Octagon.

Not to be outdone, de Ridder has finished 15 of his 17 wins, including 12 submission and three by way of KO. The Dutch Knight’ earned back-to-back wins against Aung La N Sang under the ONE Championship banner to capture both the ONE middleweight and light heavyweight championships.

He successfully defended the belt against former ONE titleholder Vitaly Bigdash before surrendering his gold in two straight losses against Russian juggernaut Anatoly Malykhin.

Reinier De Ridder Vitaly Bigdash ONE159 1920X1280 46 1200x800 1

Petr Yan vs. Deiveson Figueiredo Set For UFC Macau On Nov. 23

The UFC’s return to Macau looks set to have high stakes in the bantamweight title picture. Mixed martial arts’ leading promotion is set to take the Octagon back to Macau — an autonomous region on the south coast of China — for the first time in a decade later this year, with the Galaxy Arena […]

Continue Reading Petr Yan vs. Deiveson Figueiredo Set For UFC Macau On Nov. 23 at MMA News.

The UFC’s return to Macau looks set to have high stakes in the bantamweight title picture.

Mixed martial arts’ leading promotion is set to take the Octagon back to Macau — an autonomous region on the south coast of China — for the first time in a decade later this year, with the Galaxy Arena playing host to a UFC Fight Night card on November 23.

And the lineup looks to have its first major addition in the form of a clash between former champions.

Per Brazilian reporter Léo Guimaraes, ex-bantamweight kingpin Petr Yan (17-5) and former two-time flyweight titleholder Deiveson Figueiredo (24-3-1) are set to meet in a crucial showdown at 135 pounds in Macau.

Yan, Figueiredo Expected To Battle For Potential UFC Title Shot In China

Should this bout be made official, one man could leave Macau with a shot at the bantamweight belt set for down the line.

For Yan, that would present another chance to regain the divisional title. The Russian previously held it prior to a disqualification loss to Aljamain Sterling in 2021. While he subsequently captured interim status, he fell short against “Funk Master” in their rematch.

The tough times continued for Yan in the subsequent months. He first suffered a controversial split decision loss to Sean O’Malley in 2022 before being convincingly outpointed by another then-future champ in Merab Dvalishvili the following year. But having bounced back in style by stalling the charge of Song Yadong at UFC 299 this past March, “No Mercy” is now targeting a return to a win streak for the first time since 2020.

To do so, the Russian standout will have to hand Figueiredo his first defeat at 135 pounds. “Deus Da Guerra” committed to a long-discussed bantamweight switch following the end of his second flyweight rule against Brandon Moreno in early 2023. He’s since reeled off three straight wins to rise to #5 in the rankings, defeating Rob Font, Cody Garbrandt, and Marlon Vera.

Deiveson Figueiredo
Image: Chris Unger/UFC/Zuffa LLC

Continue Reading Petr Yan vs. Deiveson Figueiredo Set For UFC Macau On Nov. 23 at MMA News.

Cory Sandhagen Claims Top Five Contender Turned Him Down For December

Former interim UFC bantamweight title challenger Cory Sandhagen says a notable name toward the top of the rankings recently rejected the chance to throw down with him before the end of this year. Merab Dvalishvili now sits at the top of the bantamweight division following his win over Sean O’Malley this past weekend at UFC […]

Continue Reading Cory Sandhagen Claims Top Five Contender Turned Him Down For December at MMA News.

Former interim UFC bantamweight title challenger Cory Sandhagen says a notable name toward the top of the rankings recently rejected the chance to throw down with him before the end of this year.

Merab Dvalishvili now sits at the top of the bantamweight division following his win over Sean O’Malley this past weekend at UFC 306. With “Suga” now set to return to the contender ranks, there is sure to be several other 135-pounders wanting to face him in his next outing.

One of those names is Cory Sandhagen, who is looking to bounce back from his defeat to Umar Nurmagomedov in August.

With the Dagestani likely being the next contender in line, Sandhagen thinks that he and O’Malley makes a lot of sense, especially after he claims he was turned down by another top contender…

Cory Sandhagen Says Deiveson Figueiredo Rejected December Fight

Dvalishvili has made it pretty clear that, in his opinion, former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo is most deserving of the next title shot. The Brazilian has won three in a row since moving up a weight class with impressive performances against Rob Font, Cody Garbrandt, and Marlon Vera.

With O’Malley potentially taking some time off, a fight between Sandhagen and “Deus Da Guerra” would make a lot of sense while Nurmagomedov challenges for the belt.

However, in his post-event breakdown of UFC 306, Sandhagen revealed on his YouTube channel that this fight has already been offered and declined on Figueiredo’s side.

“The Sandman” initially said that the fight was targeted for September but later corrected himself by saying that it was on the table for December.

With the other top names in the division being busy or inactive, he sees this as the perfect time to finally match him and O’Malley up.

“I got to say, I think that you’re absolutely insane if you don’t want to see me and O’Malley fight next, okay. I am pretty sure that maybe the entire division is going to be calling out Sean O’Malley next, just because that’s the way that people do things, but you guys know that this has been a fight that’s been in the works for a long time. I’m not going to try to sound like I’m trying to throw this idea at you guys, you guys know it’s a good idea. Back me up on all that stuff, me and O’Malley got next.

“Figgy turned down a fight against me in September, which is just kind of whack because I thought that Figgy was a little bit more about that life than that. I’m kind of actually hurt that Figgy doesn’t want to fight me in December. I don’t know what that dude’s plan is, I think Yan’s out for a little bit, Henry’s like hurt/not hurt sometimes. I don’t really know what goes on with that guy, but me and O’Malley got next.”

Continue Reading Cory Sandhagen Claims Top Five Contender Turned Him Down For December at MMA News.

Deiveson Figueiredo calls for UFC 310 title fight with Merab Dvalishvili: ‘Let’s make this happen’

Deiveson Figueiredo calls for UFC 310 title fight with Merab Dvalishvili: 'Let's make this happen'Taking in last night’s headliner between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili at Noche UFC, former undisputed flyweight champion, Deiveson…

Deiveson Figueiredo calls for UFC 310 title fight with Merab Dvalishvili: 'Let's make this happen'

Taking in last night’s headliner between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili at Noche UFC, former undisputed flyweight champion, Deiveson Figueiredo now has sights firmly set on an end-of-year bantamweight title charge at UFC 310 in December.

Figueiredo, the current number five ranked bantamweight contender, most recently turned in his third straight win at 135lbs last December earlier this summer, turning in a one-sided unanimous decision win over title challenger, Marlon Vera — becoming the first fighter to score a knockdown on the Ecuadorian in the process.

Merab Dvalishvili does not want Umar Nurmagomedov, names his next opponent

Deiveson Figueiredo calls for title fight with Merab Dvalishvili following Noche UFC win

And tuning into last night’s bantamweight title fight between O’Malley and Dvalishvili at the Las Vegas Sphere, Brazilian fan-favorite, Deiveson Figueiredo has already staked his claim for a title fight with the newly-minted latter, suggesting the duo should feature in December for gold at the final flagship event of the annum at UFC 310.

And prior to Deiveson Figueiredo’s comments on social media tonight, the Brazilian was already sounded out by the new titleholder, Dvalishvili — who called for a fight with him instead of surging Russian challenger, Umar Nurmagomedov.

Merab Dvalishvili wins title, hands Sean O'Malley dominant decision loss in grudge fight - Noche UFC Highlights

“Whoever they [the UFC] want, I will fight next, but I want to talk to Dana (White),” Merab Dvalishvili told assembled media following Noche UFC. “I want to become his friend — I want to fight the top of the top, you know. I think (Deiveson) Figueiredo would be my fifth champion, he is more dangerous, knockout power, good Jiu-Jitsu, makes people [go to] sleep.”

“That’s why this fight excites me, gives me motivation, makes me work hard,” Merab Dvalishvili explained. “Umar (Nurmagomedov) is okay, but I’m telling you guys, from the top-15, he’s only won one fight.”

dvalishvili

Before his decision win over Vera, Figueiredo had turned in a rear-naked choke submission win over former undisputed bantamweight gold holder, Cody Garbrandt, and a decision victory against Rob Font.

Merab Dvalishvili Feels Former Champ More Deserving Of Next Title Shot Than Umar Nurmagomedov

Merab Dvalishvili recently voiced his belief that a former UFC champion is far more deserving of the next bantamweight title shot than rising star Umar Nurmagomedov. Dvalishvili is gearing up for his first title opportunity against bantamweight champi…

Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov

Merab Dvalishvili recently voiced his belief that a former UFC champion is far more deserving of the next bantamweight title shot than rising star Umar Nurmagomedov. Dvalishvili is gearing up for his first title opportunity against bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley in the main event of UFC 306, which is set to go down next weekend […]

Continue Reading Merab Dvalishvili Feels Former Champ More Deserving Of Next Title Shot Than Umar Nurmagomedov at MMA News.

‘He Only Beat Cory Sandhagen’ – Merab Dvalishvili Doubles Down On Deiveson Figueiredo Deserving Next Bantamweight Title Shot Over Umar Nurmagomedov

After winning ten UFC fights in a row, Merab Dvalishvili will rightly challenge Sean O’Malley for the promotion’s bantamweight championship at The Sphere in Las Vegas on September 14, 2024. The classic striker vs. grappler matchup already has fans on the edge of their seats. On top of that, Dvalishvili posting his cut and then […]

Continue Reading ‘He Only Beat Cory Sandhagen’ – Merab Dvalishvili Doubles Down On Deiveson Figueiredo Deserving Next Bantamweight Title Shot Over Umar Nurmagomedov at MMA News.

After winning ten UFC fights in a row, Merab Dvalishvili will rightly challenge Sean O’Malley for the promotion’s bantamweight championship at The Sphere in Las Vegas on September 14, 2024.

The classic striker vs. grappler matchup already has fans on the edge of their seats. On top of that, Dvalishvili posting his cut and then taking his stitches out with the biggest scissors possible in viral clips further added to the hype.

Interestingly, regardless of the outcome of the Riyadh Season Noche UFC main event, Dvalishvili doesn’t want Umar Nurmagomedov to be the next bantamweight title challenger…

Merab Dvalishvili Opposes Umar Nurmagomedov Getting A UFC Title Shot With Just One Win Over A Ranked Opponent

Dvalishvili discussed who he thinks should get the next title shot in the UFC bantamweight division during an interview with MMA Junkie recently. Although the consensus is that Nurmagomedov’s win over Cory Sandhagen makes him the next contender, “The Machine” disagrees.

As someone who had to fight several top-ranked opponents to secure a title shot, Dvalishvili wants other fighters in his division to follow a similar route. He thinks that former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo should fight for the belt next because of his wins over Rob Font, Chito Vera, and Cody Garbrandt.

Nurmagomedov, on the other hand, needs to fight more contenders according to Dvalishvili. He pointed out that the undefeated prospect was fighting non-ranked opponents before Sandhagen, so his resume is not worthy of a title shot yet.

“He beat one former champion in this weight class and one title challenger. And he beat Rob Font. And Figueiredo is former champion, and he has big name and he deserves. Umar, he only beat Cory Sandhagen from top 15, only one guy he beat from top 15. And why he deserve fight for the belt? I’m not saying, you know, even if I would be champion, he has to fight Sean O’Malley. He don’t have to, I don’t think he deserves to fight for the belt, you know, that’s my opinion.”

Dvalishvili’s focus is to naturally win the UFC bantamweight title first. He seems to have healed up perfectly from the infamous cut and is ready to show the world his well-rounded game on September 14, 2024.

Continue Reading ‘He Only Beat Cory Sandhagen’ – Merab Dvalishvili Doubles Down On Deiveson Figueiredo Deserving Next Bantamweight Title Shot Over Umar Nurmagomedov at MMA News.