Current UFC flyweight champion of the world, Deiveson Figueiredo has indicated that he will be moving to the bantamweight division. He is currently nursing a hand injury, but all things indicate that he will make a move up a weight class.
Deiveson Figueiredo had earlier lost his title to Brandon Moreno in June last year, but then he bounced back to regain his title in January at UFC 270.
While Figueiredo is recovering from a hand injury, UFC brass decided to put together an interim title fight between Kai Kara France and Brandon Moreno scheduled for UFC 277 on July 30. The Brazilian wasn’t all too happy about UFC putting together an interim title fight.
“I was upset because I didn’t expect that from the UFC,” Figueiredo told Brazilian news outlet AG Fight (via Google Translate). “A few months ago, I had the last fight and the UFC already has an interim belt? I’m in disbelief. … I’ve always provided great shows for the UFC and I feel undervalued because of this interim belt. I’ll even use a phrase from Charles (Oliveira): ‘The champion has a name, and his name is Deiveson Figueiredo.’ This plastic belt is meaningless.”
Deiveson Figueiredo on moving up to bantamweight
Deiveson Figueiredo expressed his disappointment in the interview and stated that he along with Henry Cejudo are responsible for saving the flyweight division.
“I am very disappointed,” he told the site. “I confess I seriously am thinking about leaving the division. Henry Cejudo and I saved this division, and after this move by the UFC, I’m honestly about to make decisions. I hope I don’t take them, but if I do, I’ll leave the division and go up to bantamweight.
“Always before making decisions, I like to reflect so as not to make mistakes. Let that interim belt roll; I’ll be there. The champion is called Deiveson. I’ll be there to see this little facade. I still have a lot to talk about, if possible in person with Dana White. I want to talk to them in the United States. I will also meet with Henry Cejudo and Eric Albarracin to see what to do.”