Deiveson Figueiredo Eyes Joshua Van Clash After UFC 332 Flyweight Return Commitment
Deiveson Figueiredo, the former UFC flyweight champion, is targeting a fight with Joshua Van upon his return to the 125-pound division. Figueiredo has committed “200%” to making the flyweight cut again after his upcoming bantamweight bout at UFC 332.
Joshua Van recently defended his flyweight title against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 331, securing a unanimous decision victory. Van is expected to face top contender Manel Kape next.
Figueiredo, widely considered one of the greatest flyweights in UFC history, previously expressed reluctance to return to the division due to the physical demands of making weight. However, ahead of his UFC 332 fight against Payton Talbott, Figueiredo appears to have reversed this stance.
During the UFC 332 pre-fight press conference, Figueiredo stated his intention to fight Van. "I’ve been asking the UFC and telling them I will make that weight very easily. Just make that fight, I want that opportunity, and we’ll see if his boxing is as good as mine," Figueiredo said.
"200 percent, it needs to happen. If the UFC gives me that opportunity, I go in there and knock him out," he added. Figueiredo believes Van's striking defense might falter against him, suggesting Pantoja should have utilized grappling more effectively.
Figueiredo seeks to rebound from recent losses to Song Yadong and Umar Nurmagomedov. As he approaches 40, a successful return to flyweight could position him for another championship run.
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