UFC Norfolk: Deiveson Figueiredo Claims He’s Going to Retire Joseph Benavidez For “Lying”

Deiveson Figueiredo acknowledges that Joseph Benavidez is a talented fighter, but the Brazilian flyweight’s very confident he’s going to hand the American a loss and secure the 125 title. Not only that, Figueiredo is claiming he’s going to beat Benavidez so decisively, the perennial contender will retire at UFC Norfolk.

Figueiredo explains his issue with Benavidez

Figueiredo has been tapped to face Benavidez for the soon to be, vacant flyweight title, after going 6-1 to date in the UFC. In fact, Figueiredo was expected to face Benavidez at UFC 233 in January, 2019. But when the event was canceled, the UFC wanted to move the match-up to the 19th. Figueiredo passed, since he had reportedly been dealing with an injury and need more time to make weight.

Well, while talking to BJ Penn.com recently (via his manager/translator Wallid Ismail), Figueiredo explained why he’s no fan of Benavidez personally.

“The rivalry started when he started to lie about me. He went to the press and said I was afraid of him and didn’t want to fight him. Now, he will re-pay the big price of lying. He can’t lie as he had before. I was hurt, that’s why we didn’t fight. Now, the time is here on Saturday I will beat him up. Benavidez will retire after this fight, I really believe that. I hope he can be a UFC commentator, but after Saturday he won’t want to step into the Octagon again because I will break his spirit.”

“I see from the first second to the last, I’m going after him and going to break his spirit and beat him up. He is going to feel my power. I’m going to submit or knock him out,” he said. “I’m in the best shape of my life. I really don’t care about him. Benavidez is not going to be able to handle me. When he feels my power he will give up.

“This fight won’t even go two full rounds, believe me. I’ll finish him by the end of the second round. Benavidez will retire after I do that to him,” he continued. “I’m going to break him down. He can’t do anything against me.”

Does Figueiredo truly think that he’s going to retire Benavidez?

Probably not. It could be his way of promoting the bout. Although, it does sound like he’s genuinely not happy with Benavidez accusing him of ducking him back in 2019.

Benavidez is 35, and failing to win the 125 title again would be a big setback. But there’s been no indication that the vet’s thinking about retiring.

Figueiredo also went on to say that he believes he’ll win the flyweight belt and hold it for the remainder of his career. How about that for a prediction?