Cody Garbrandt called for a fight with new flyweight champ Deiveson Figueiredo and got his wish, even though he hasn’t fought in the UFC’s 125 pound division. Well, not only does Figueiredo not think Garbrandt should be getting the opportunity, the rising star recently called had some interesting things to say about “No Love”.

Figueiredo sees “fragile spots” on Garbrandt

Garbrandt talked about dropping down to flyweight in the past, back when Henry Cejudo was holding the belt. The move never happened, but after Figueiredo choked out Joseph Benavidez in July to become the UFC’s new flyweight champ, Garbrandt called for a fight with the new champ.

Well, the UFC was clearly on board with the idea, as Garbrandt is going to challenge Figueiredo at UFC 255, November 21st. Recently the Brazilian champ spoke with AG Fight, and he had this to say about Garbrandt, and the fact he’s been tapped for a title fight, even though he has no wins in the division (quotes via Bloody Elbow).

“I didn’t think it was right for him to cut the line, but the UFC calls the shots. We work for them and we have to accept whoever they want us to fight so we can put on a show for the fans.

There was a negotiation between them and my manager, Wallid Ismail. He talked to the UFC so I could have a bigger purse against Garbrandt.

We got a proper figure. Now I’m training hard to show you should not cut the line to get to the belt at flyweight.”

“(I will take advantage of) His chin, his head. Those are fragile spots. I’ve seen him take shots and get rocked.

Those are two weak spots to exploit. If he comes at me, you better believe there’ll be a bonus coming.

It’s going to be an insane fight. I don’t walk back. I feel more well-rounded. He has boxing and wrestling.

I have my boxing, my marajoara fighting and jiu-jitsu to submit him if he makes a mistake.”

Should the fight not be happening?

If you prefer your matchmaking’s done via a meritocratic lens, then ya, Garbrandt shouldn’t be fighting Figueiredo next. Not only has he not defeated any top flyweights, he’s only one removed from a three fight losing streak.

But, as we’ve seen time and time again in MMA, and with the UFC, business considerations often play a major, major factor in booking title fights.

Garbrandt is a well known fighter, and a popular one at that. Regardless of who wins on November 21st, the fight is going to bring a lot more attention to the flyweight division. Further, and as Figueiredo noted, it has the makings on a fantastic fight.

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