Former UFC flyweight Brandon Moreno will face his arch-rival, current champion Deiveson Figueiredo, in the co-main event at UFC 283. The fight will mark the fourth time the pair have faced one another, and the first time in UFC history that two fighters have engaged in a tetralogy, let alone one at the highest level of the division. The two are 1-1-1 across their last three fights, and Brandon Moreno told reporters at the pre-fight media day that he believes their rivalry has elevated the division for all others.
“A lot. Everything starts with Demetrious [Johnson], with his legacy and what he did in the flyweight division before. He made a statement and a lot of people think he’s the GOAT of mixed martial arts for that. Then Henry Cejudo saved the division against T.J. Dillashaw.
Moreno: Figueiredo Rivalry Made Flyweight Division Better
Now, in the present, I think this rivalry between Deiveson Figueiredo and I is so important for us, for all the flyweight guys. After this Saturday, I want to make a statement of who wants this rivalry, but at the same time I’m just very grateful to share the octagon with Deiveson and make history together.”
Moreno also shared his plan of attack for Figueiredo, who emerged victorious in their last outing. He is also positive that, if he win this weekend, there won’t be a fifth fight.
“I know I’m going to fight this Saturday. One hundred percent, I don’t care. My goal, I’m talking about history and importance, I want to finish this with Figueiredo this Saturday and then start to watch Pantoja and [Mateus] Nicolau , Manel Kape, the other names. So that’s important for me, but for sure I’m fighting this Saturday.
The last dance. My plan is to make a statement in this one. My plan is to finish Deiveson Figueiredo. I did it before and I know, I feel it, I can do it again. I will and that’s it.
It’s funny because I understand people maybe when the rumor starts to come, ‘Again these guys?’ but at the same time the people also understand Deiveson and I, we make fireworks inside the octagon. The fight will be awesome, I promise, but that’s it. I don’t want to see this guy again. Right now I’m so happy, I’m excited, I’m ready to fight, but I don’t want to see this guy again.”
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