Deiveson Figueiredo’s got his eyes on the prize. After his UFC 300 win over Cody Garbrandt, he’s shouting from the rooftops for a title shot. And why not? The way he sees it, he’s earned it.
The fight? Oh, it was something. The first round was a nail-biter, but then Figueiredo turned up the heat. He took Garbrandt down and finished him with a rear-naked choke in the second round. It was a big deal, considering it was Garbrandt’s first submission loss. Ever.
“Cody’s no walk in the park,” Figueiredo mused in a post-fight chat. “He’s a former champ and a tough competitor. But today? I dominated.” He’s not just talking the talk. He walked the walk and now, he’s hoping for a shot at the belt.
But here’s the rub: Merab Dvalishvili is already lined up for a title fight against Sean O’Malley. That’s the word on the street, anyway. Figueiredo? He’s chill. O’Malley, Dvalishvili, whoever. He’s ready to rumble.
Then there’s the chatter about him fighting Petr Yan. Yan’s back on track after beating Yadong Song, but Figueiredo’s not biting. Nope, he’s got his sights set higher.
Figueiredo’s also still feeling the sting from his controversial loss to Brandon Moreno at UFC 283. “Robbed,” he calls it. But he’s not dwelling on it. He’s looking forward, aiming for the championship.
In his mind, it’s clear. He’s conquered before, and he’s ready to conquer again. The championship is calling, and Figueiredo is answering. Loud and clear.