Manager Confirms Deiveson Figueiredo Almost Didn’t Fight at UFC 256

After his jaw-dropping, war with Brandon Moreno at UFC 256, flyweight champ Deiveson Figueiredo relayed that he had been in the hospital, earlier that day. Since ‘The God of War’ made the head-turning comments, his manager Wallid Ismail has confirmed that the champion almost dropped out.

Manager says weight cut led to champ’s hospitalization

If you watched UFC 256, you know that Figueiredo and Moreno slugged it out for 25 minutes, in what was one of the best title fights in recent memory. The bout was ultimately declared a majority draw.

But, if not for a point Figueiredo was deducted for hitting Moreno with a low blow, he would have won the fight (scores were 47-46, 47-47, 47-47).

During his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, Figueiredo proceeded to report the following (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“Last night I had a stomach infection; I was in the hospital until 2 a.m., came here to fight with my stomach full of wind, and didn’t know if I would fight well today, and that’s what happened,” Figueiredo said in Portuguese.

“This fight went the distance, but I really won. Even with a bad stomach, I came here and won, defended what’s mine.

I gave my blood with hour and came out with my hands raised.”

MMA Fighting reached out to Ismail for more details, and the manager said the following.

“He had constipation during weight cut,” Ismail said. “The fight almost didn’t happen.

He only fought so the pay-per-view wouldn’t lose the main event. He didn’t even attend the meeting after the [weigh-ins] because he didn’t have a proper rehydration after the weigh-ins.

He made weight so easily on Thursday afternoon.”

And during the post-fight presser, UFC President Dana White confirmed they were aware that Figueiredo had been temporarily hospitalized.

“Any time a guy goes to the hospital, you’re in danger,” White said. “Obviously, we gave him [the option], do you want to fight, or do you not want to fight, it’s up to you.

He was obviously cleared medically, but he had the option to fight or not fight, and he wanted to fight.”

Rematch has to happen

So, this information is really, really interesting, and it makes a rematch that much more compelling. How much did these issues impact Figueiredo’s performance?

In the fight itself, it certainly didn’t look like Figueiredo wasn’t 100%. In fact, in many respects, he answered questions about his cardio for a five-round fight.

Moreno kept coming, and while the action slowed in round five, it was a high paced fight.

If you’re wondering, the final strike tally was 147 to 139 in favor of Figueiredo. Moreno scored 4 out of 8 take down attempts and the champ went 2 for 4 in that department.