UFC Norfolk: Deiveson Figueiredo’s “Not Sad at All” About Weight Miss, Not Taking 125 Crown

If Deiveson Figueiredo had made weight on Friday, the Brazilian fighter would be holding the UFC’s flyweight title today. But, following his jaw-dropping, victory over Joseph Benavidez at UFC Norfolk, Figueiredo explained why all is well in his world…

Figueiredo’s “not sad at all”

Figueiredo and Benavidez were booked to fight for the 125 title, since Henry Cejudo recently decided to relinquish it and focus on his reign at 135. But, since Figueiredo came in at 127.5 on Friday, he was ineligible to win the belt on Saturday.

Well, after a competitive first round, which saw both fighters score with some big shots, Figueiredo put away Benavidez. Moments after the two accidentally clashed heads, Figueiredo dropped Benavidez with a booming right and then brought about the stoppage with shots from above.

Not surprisingly, after the card Figueiredo was asked if he’s upset about what transpired on Friday, since he didn’t collect the flyweight title. Here’s what the 32 year-old had to say (quotes via MMA Junkie):

“I’m not sad at all,” Figueiredo said. “I’m very happy. I told you before in the pre-fight interview I was going to knock him out in the second round – and I did. I owe this for the people watching TV. I owe this for the people coming to the arena. Because I didn’t make the weight, I had to compromise and give a big statement for the people.”

And while talking about who he wants to fight next, “Daico” said this:

“It doesn’t matter,” Figueiredo said. “Whoever the UFC puts me to fight, I’m going to fight. I just won my belt. The belt is mine. I just don’t hold it. I proved that.”

Now, there are certainly reasons for Figueiredo to be happy. After all, he took out one of the greatest flyweights in the game, and in fact, ever. But, you have to wonder if he’ll be saying similar things, if, the UFC decides to close up the flyweight division. After Figueiredo missed weight, more than a few people opined whether the UFC could finally, shut down the division, if Figueiredo won and no champ was crowned.

Figueiredo comments on the weight miss

And, while talking about the fact he came in heavy for Saturday’s bout, Figueiredo said this:

“This happened for the first time,” Figueiredo said. “I’m not going to do anything different – just one thing. I’m going to bring my nutritionist next time. Besides that, nothing. I always got the weight I was supposed to get. This was the first time. It was really a cramp in my stomach. I really felt bad.”

Hopefully, the UFC recognizes this and moves forward with another bout to determine the new champ. As last night’s fight demonstrated again, the flyweight division can provide ridiculously entertaining and technical fights. Further, when you consider Figueiredo’s power, ground game and personality, he definitely has the potential to be a star.