Deiveson Figueiredo, born on December 18, 1987, is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist competing in the Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He is a former two-time UFC Flyweight Champion and is currently ranked #2 in the UFC flyweight rankings as of July 11, 2023. Figueiredo has an impressive record of 21 wins, including 9 knockouts and 8 submissions, with only 3 losses.
With his exceptional skills and relentless dedication, Deiveson Figueiredo has established himself as a dominant force in the Flyweight division. As a Brazilian MMA champion, he showcases the unparalleled talent and prowess of Brazilian fighters in the world of mixed martial arts.
Early Life and MMA Background
Deiveson Figueiredo, born on December 18, 1987, hails from Soure, Pará, Brazil. Raised in a small city on the isle of Marajó, Figueiredo grew up in a community where his father practiced luta marajoara, a local folk wrestling style. Inspired by his father’s passion, Figueiredo began his journey in combat sports at a young age.
At just nine years old, Figueiredo started his training in wrestling, honing his skills and discipline. Later, he moved to Belém to attend high school, where he discovered capoeira. This dynamic martial art further fueled his passion for combat sports, and little did he know that it would serve as a foundation for his future in mixed martial arts.
At the age of sixteen, Figueiredo found himself under the mentorship of UFC Bantamweight Iuri “Marajó” Alcântara. This marked the beginning of his MMA journey, as he dedicated himself to refining his technique and developing his fighting style. Figueiredo’s early experiences shaped him into the resilient and versatile fighter that he is today.
Early Career Highlights
Deiveson Figueiredo’s early career in mixed martial arts showcased his exceptional skills and tenacity inside the cage. After making his professional debut in February 2012, Figueiredo quickly gained attention with a dominant first-round submission victory. He continued to compete in regional MMA circuits in Pará and Maranhão, where he showcased his abilities against debuting fighters and secured impressive victories.
In late 2014, Figueiredo signed with Jungle Fight, a renowned Brazilian promotion. He made a successful debut with the organization, securing a TKO victory and further solidifying his potential as a rising star in the MMA world. Figueiredo’s performances caught the attention of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the premier organization in the sport, which led to an opportunity for him to showcase his skills on a bigger stage.
Soon after, in June 2017, Figueiredo made his promotional debut at UFC 212. He made an immediate impact by delivering a TKO victory, proving that he was ready to compete at the highest level. This marked the beginning of his journey in the UFC, where he would go on to face and defeat notable opponents, solidifying his position as one of the top contenders in the flyweight division.
Rise in the UFC
Early Success
Figueiredo quickly made an impact with a TKO victory in his UFC debut at UFC 212. From there, he went on a winning streak, defeating notable opponents such as Jarred Brooks and John Moraga. These victories showcased his skill set and potential for greatness.
Claiming the Flyweight Championship
In February 2020, Figueiredo achieved a significant milestone in his career by capturing the UFC Flyweight Championship. He secured the title with a dominant TKO victory over Joseph Benavidez. Figueiredo’s relentless striking and well-rounded skill set proved too much for his opponent to handle.
Defending the Title
After winning the championship, Figueiredo successfully defended his title against Alex Perez. The fight ended in a first-round submission, further solidifying his status as the top flyweight in the UFC. Figueiredo’s ability to dominate his opponents both on the feet and on the ground has been a key factor in his success.
Following his victory over Perez, Figueiredo faced Brandon Moreno in a highly anticipated trilogy fight. The bout ended in a draw, showcasing the heart and determination of both fighters. Figueiredo’s rise in the UFC has been nothing short of remarkable, and he continues to prove himself as one of the most exciting and dominant fighters in the flyweight division.
Legacy and Accolades
Deiveson Figueiredo’s remarkable career has garnered him numerous accolades and solidified his legacy as one of the greatest flyweight fighters in MMA history. His exceptional skills, thrilling fighting style, and dominant performances have earned him widespread recognition and admiration from both fans and experts in the industry.
Throughout his journey in the UFC, Figueiredo has been honored as the Fighter of the Year on multiple occasions by esteemed publications such as The Athletic, MMA Fighting, and Sherdog. These accolades highlight his consistent excellence and the impact he has made in the sport.
In addition to the prestigious Fighter of the Year awards, Figueiredo holds several records in the UFC Flyweight division. His aggressive approach has resulted in the most finishes, including knockouts and submissions, in the history of the division. He also holds the record for the most knockdowns landed, showcasing his devastating striking ability. Furthermore, Figueiredo’s relentless pursuit of victory is evident in his record for the most submission attempts, demonstrating his versatility and skill on the ground.
Deiveson Figueiredo’s legacy extends beyond records and accolades. His impact on the sport and his ability to captivate audiences have left an indelible mark. As a true warrior, Figueiredo’s determination and passion are an inspiration to aspiring fighters, particularly in his home country of Brazil. He continues to build his legacy and aims to inspire future generations, leaving a lasting impact on MMA.
| Accolades | Records |
|---|---|
| Multiple Fighter of the Year awards | Most finishes in UFC Flyweight division |
| Most knockdowns landed | |
| Most submission attempts |
Recent and Upcoming Bouts
Deiveson Figueiredo has recently been involved in several high-stakes matchups, showcasing his skills and determination inside the Octagon. In his most recent bout, Figueiredo faced Brandon Moreno in a highly anticipated rematch at UFC 270. The fight went the distance, and Figueiredo emerged victorious, recapturing the flyweight championship via unanimous decision.
However, Figueiredo’s reign as champion was short-lived, as he faced Moreno for the fourth time at UFC 283. Unfortunately, Figueiredo suffered a loss in this encounter due to a doctor stoppage. Despite the setback, Figueiredo’s competitive spirit remains unwavering, and he is determined to make a comeback.
Looking ahead, Figueiredo is scheduled to compete in a bantamweight bout against Rob Font at UFC Fight Night on December 2, 2023. This marks a significant move up in weight class for Figueiredo, as he aims to test his skills against tougher opponents in a new division. Fans and critics alike are eagerly awaiting this matchup, as it presents an exciting challenge for Figueiredo and an opportunity to showcase his versatility as a fighter.
Personal Life and Future Plans
Outside of his MMA career, Deiveson Figueiredo leads an interesting and diverse life. Before becoming a professional fighter, he worked in various jobs, ranging from farming to being a sushi chef. His willingness to take on different roles demonstrates his strong work ethic and adaptability.
When he’s not training or competing, Figueiredo enjoys following Brazilian football. He supports teams like Botafogo and Paysandu, showing his passion for the sport and his connection to his home country.
As for his future plans, Figueiredo is determined to leave a lasting impact on the sport of MMA. He aims to continue building his legacy and inspiring aspiring fighters, particularly those from Brazil. With his skill, dedication, and exciting fighting style, he has the potential to inspire a new generation of athletes.
For now, Figueiredo has set his sights on upcoming battles. He is scheduled to face Rob Font in a bantamweight bout at UFC Fight Night on December 2, 2023. Fans can expect another thrilling display of his talents as he seeks to showcase his skills in a different weight class.
