Deiveson Figueiredo got the win over Joseph Benavidez to become the new Flyweight Champion
Deiveson Figueiredo finally reached the top of the UFC Flyweight division with a dominating win over Joseph Benavidez.
This was for the vacant Flyweight title and a rematch of the clash that took place a few months back. Figueiredo got the better of Benavidez then, but since he couldn’t make weight, the title wasn’t handed to him.
No such issues happened this time as the Brazilian dominated Benavidez. He dropped Benavidez several times before getting him to faint via a rear-naked choke. This was his fourth attempt at the choke in the first round, and Benavidez had no answers to the Brazilian’s offense.
While Benavidez needed medical attention after fainting, there was also respect shared between the two stars.
Figueiredo knelt in front of Benavidez, who was seated on a stool, and the pair even bumped fists. The Brazilian further bowed his heads towards his rival and was in tears while being handed the title.
An emotional @Daico_Deiveson knelt in front of Joseph Benavidez after their battle at #UFCFightIsland2 pic.twitter.com/VNEthD4IQp
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) July 19, 2020
The UFC finally has a champion
Henry Cejudo vacated the Flyweight title a while back after he had won the Bantamweight one. However, the UFC struggled to find the right person to take over the belt. Figueiredo vs Benavidez 1 should have cemented a new champion for the division.
However, the Brazilian was finally able to get his hands on the gold and he was in tears right after the decision.
The 32-year-old was extremely impressive in this battle against one of the best in the division. It will be interesting to see who is next for The God of War, but one thing is certain, he will be a fighting champion.
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