UFC men’s flyweight champ Deiveson Figueiredo is refusing to fight Brandon Moreno, who he called a “racist”, for a fourth consecutive title contest. Figueiredo also recently called out New Zealand’s Kai Kara-France, labelling the fighter a “dirty Kiwi”. In a recent Instagram post, Figueiredo blasted Moreno and declared that Kai Kara-France had “earned his spot” in a flyweight title bout.
“Dear Dana White, I just wanted to say thank you for the opportunities that you have given me, my family, and my country.
Figueiredo Refuses to fight “Racist” Moreno, Wants “Dirty Kiwi” Kai Kara-France Next
You know that I would fight anybody, anytime and anywhere. That’s being said, I wanted to fight Brandon Moreno for the fourth time because I know this is what the fans want. Until his team crossed the line with racist comments.
Calling me a monkey and even going to the extent of photoshopping a monkey’s face on top of mine. You know what I’m talking about, Raul Arvizu.
When all this happened I went on a campaign to stop racism and prejudice in my city where it is predominately Indians and blacks. As the UFC champion of the world, I ask you to consider my wish. I wish to fight the next contender in line, Kai Kara-France who has earned his spot. #stoptherasicm #weareone”
A fourth consecutive title fight between the same two men would be unheard of in UFC history, but it’s not without good reason. Moreno and Figueiredo are 1-1-1 in their trilogy, with the first fight ending in a draw, the second going to Moreno via rear naked choke, and the third awarded to Figueiredo via decision.
Kai Kara-France took on Brandon Moreno back in 2019, losing via unanimous decision. Since then, however, the New Zealander has amassed some serious flyweight credibility, knocking out the likes of Rogerio Bontorin and former champ Cody Garbrandt. Kara-France, most recently, delivered Askar Askarov his first career defeat. This warranted acknowledgement from the champ via Twitter:
“Congratulations you dirty Kiwi, Kai Kara-France you just punched your ticket with the ‘God of War.’ Brandon Moreno, you just took the back seat. You are 0-2 against Alexandre Pantoja. If you could beat him I’ll give you the next title shot. Let’s make it happen, Dana White.”
It’s more likely that the UFC books the Figueiredo-Moreno tetralogy, if only to put a final bow on the rivalry. If, however, Kai Kara-France can not only fight for the title, but claim it, he would be the third simultaneous UFC champ to come out of Auckland’s City Kickboxing, following in the footsteps of Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski.
Do you think Moreno should take a minute and let Figueiredo and Kara-France duke it out? Let us know in the comments.
