LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 11: In this handout image provided by UFC, Brandon Moreno of Mexico poses on the scale during the UFC 256 weigh-in at UFC APEX on December 11, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Brandon Moreno and Deiveson Figueiredo featured in a bloodbath for the ages at UFC 256
Deiveson Figueiredo was just unstoppable in 2020. But, the Brazilian flyweight champion had a crazy ending to the year, which saw him almost relinquish his title.
After beating Alex Perez at UFC 255, Figueiredo successfully defended his flyweight title for the second successive time.
And, astonishingly he turned up for another title defense, just 21 days later (a UFC record in title bouts). He was scheduled to face Brandon Moreno of Mexico. Despite everyone predicting it to be a tough contest, no one thought they would see a bloodbath like that.
Both the fighters went hammer and tongs for the entire five rounds, and still couldn’t be separated. The fight ended in a majority draw, and Figueiredo retained his title.
A rematch was agreed in the immediate aftermath. It was set for UFC 263, since both the fighters were handed 6-month medical suspensions.
With the fight inching closer, Moreno recently revealed that he felt confident like never before. He also divulged that he was more careful in his approach last time, since Figueiredo was relatively new to him.
The Mexican claimed that he knew how his power would be since he has become familiar with the Brazilian’s approach.
Speaking in an interview with Mike Heck of MMA Fighting, Moreno said:
“Right now my confidence is very, very high. I need to be smart, I understand he’s powerful, he’s real, he’s a real opponent, he’s a real fighter, that’s why he’s a champion. But my confidence is very high, I know I can make some really good damage in this next fight against him.” [via MMA Fighting]
He continued:
““I can be more aggressive because all my game plan in two weeks was like, be careful, take the time to see the counters, and take care of his power, and that’s it. Right now, I feel his power, I know I can support the damage and I can be more aggressive.” [via MMA Fighting]
Both flyweights have never been finished in their respective MMA careers. Of the 22 fights Figueiredo has fought he has won 20, lost 1, and drawn 1. The one loss was against Jussier Formiga in 2019, via. unanimous decision.
Moreno, on the other hand, has 25 fights to his name. He has won 18, lost 5 and drawn 2. All 5 of his losses have come via. unanimous decision.
Both the fighters are unbeaten in their last 6 fights, and hence, one can expect another cracker of a fight at UFC 263.
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