Advertisement

Deiveson Figueiredo regains title, calls for fourth bout vs. Brandon Moreno in Mexico

ANAHEIM, California — Brandon Moreno and Deiveson Figueiredo put on another classic show on Saturday in the flyweight title fight in the co-main event of UFC 270.

Figueiredo fought a more controlled, smarter fight and pulled out the victory in the third fight between them, winning by scores of 48-47 on all three judges’ cards. Yahoo Sports had it 48-47 for Moreno.

Moreno entered the fight as the champion and fought like one, keeping a quick pace and landing hard shots that wobbled Figueiredo several times. But Figueiredo stayed within himself, chopped at Moreno’s leg with hard calf kicks repeatedly, and dropped the champion several times.

The result was different for the third consecutive time, though each of the three bouts were amazing. The first was a draw, allowing Figueiredo to keep the belt. Moreno took it from him in June by submitting the Brazilian with a rear naked choke.

On Saturday, with a sell-out crowd at the Honda Center cheering on every move that Moreno made, Figueiredo showed that he learned from the previous two fights.

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 22: Deiveson Figueiredo of Brazil reacts after his decision victory over Brandon Moreno of Mexico in their UFC flyweight championship fight during the UFC 270 event at Honda Center on January 22, 2022 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Deiveson Figueiredo celebrates his decision victory over Brandon Moreno during UFC 270 at Honda Center on Jan. 22, 2022 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

Moreno landed more shots, but Figueiredo connected at a higher percentage.

No UFC fighters have ever fought four times, but this may be the rare time the situation demands it. And if Figueiredo has his way, he’ll get it.

“I’m praying for a fourth fight against Brandon in Mexico,” Figueiredo said.

He may well get it. This was the rare flyweight fight that captivated the crowd. Moreno got a rousing ovation both when he entered the Octagon and when he was introduced, giving credence to UFC president Dana White’s pre-fight argument that Moreno is already a star.

Moreno, who said he felt Figueiredo’s game plan was more effective than in the first two, was philosophical.

“I feel I threw my combinations with more speed, and maybe he countered with more power,” Moreno said. “It is what it is right now.”

Somehow, one gets the sense that this one isn’t over.