UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo will, by this time tomorrow, have four consecutive fights against Brandon Moreno. It’s no surprise that the Brazilian star is interested in testing himself against another opponent, but in a recent interview with The MMA Hour Figueiredo revealed that he is contemplating a move up to the 135-pound bantamweight division. The catch? He wants anyone but Henry Cejudo.
“I wanna test myself at 135 pounds and leave the doors open for the UFC to offer me the champion. Keeping the belt after this fight with Brandon Moreno, I have faith in God that everything will go right, I’ll challenge the bantamweight champion if the belt isn’t with Henry Cejudo. If that’s the case then I’ll stay at flyweight because Henry Cejudo is a brother to me and I would never fight him.”
Figueiredo Open to Bantamweight Fight Against Anyone But Cejudo
Figueiredo also echoed the goals of another champion due to move divisions, Alexander Volkanovski. The Australian featherweight champ will compete for the lightweight belt next month at UFC 284, and has stated repeatedly that he would, if successful, defend his titles across two divisions. Figueiredo might try his luck at bantamweight, but he refuses to give up on the flyweight division.
“Fighting at 135 doesn’t mean I’m 100 percent out at 125. I wanna test myself at 135 and I hope the UFC gives me this fight.”
Figueiredo also offered some insight into his relationship with Brandon Moreno. The pair will face off for the fourth time in the main event for UFC 283, having passed the flyweight championship between them across the last three fights. The two are currently 1-1-1, and their rivalry will forever be etched into both fighters’ legacies.
The pair have traded vicious barbs over the years, and their fights are among some of the most thrilling in the history of the flyweight division. Figueiredo recaptured the belt from Moreno in their last outing, earning a narrow decision victory, and explained that while they are far from friends, the two aren’t exactly sworn enemies.
“Moreno is a nice guy, the only thing is that we don’t get along well inside the octagon. I don’t consider myself his friend. Everybody knows we have a beef and I’ll always be fighting him. That’s the fight that sells in the UFC and it’s good that it’s happening. I hope we’ll have a fifth fight.”
Do you think the “God of War” should move up to bantamweight? Let us know in the comments.
