Former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo will get his desired rematch against the reigning champ Brandon Moreno at UFC 269.
The news was first reported by ESPN’s Brett Okamoto late Wednesday night. Champion Brandon Moreno will meet Figueiredo for a third straight time on Dec. 11.
In their first meeting, the fight was spectacular and garnered high praise for the intense action that took place. However, due to an unintentional foul, the momentum of the fight was disrupted and thus left questions after a majority draw was handed out at UFC 256 between the two flyweights.
The trilogy is on. Brandon Moreno will defend his title against Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 269 on Dec. 11. UFC looked into booking Moreno vs. Alexandre Pantoja, but Pantoja won’t be ready before end of the year. Moreno wanted to be active and was willing to fight any challenger. pic.twitter.com/8DqG9coYWR
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) September 16, 2021
The second fight played out in stark contrast to their first encounter. With “Deus da Guerra” seemingly affected by the weight cut as has been a problem of his in the past, the pop on his strikes just wasn’t translating at UFC 263: Adesanya vs. Vettori 2.
The former champion’s cardio and shot selection were also much sharper when they met the first time. Nevertheless, Moreno seized the moment and finished Figueiredo in the third round with a rear-naked choke.
Interestingly, Figueiredo admits that he was sick when he fought “The Assassin Baby” the first time but still pulled through with the victory.
The two are slated to meet in December, but it appears that was not the UFC’s initial plan. After perennial contender, Alexandre Pantoja quickly dispatched Brandon Royval in late August the broadcast all but guaranteed fight fans that Pantoja would be meeting the champ once again, and the fight plans were intended for December. However, after news percolated that Pantoja couldn’t make the Dec. date, the champion insisted on staying active.
Instead of the #3-ranked Pantoja competing for the title, now steps in the former champion capable of destruction. Of Figueiredo’s 20 pro wins, 17 of those came by way of finish. As one of the most potent finishers in the UFC, this fight has everything fans want in a championship showdown.
With the addition of Brandon Moreno vs. Deiveson Figueiredo III, here is an up-to-date lineup for UFC 269:
- Brandon Moreno vs. Deiveson Figueiredo [C]
- Maycee Barber vs. Montana De La Rosa
- Cody Garbrandt vs. Kai Kara France
- Randy Costa vs. Tony Kelley
- Priscila vs. Gillian Robertson
- Dricus Du Plessis vs. Andre Muniz
Who are you picking to win the rubber match?
