UFC 256 is in the books, and Deiveson Figueiredo came out on top once again to cap off 2020. He won the day over Brandon Moreno under trying circumstances as the bout ended in a majority draw. The aforementioned flyweight fighters will certainly run it back after putting on an all-time classic battle. Figueiredo retained the title as per the rules prescribed for a majority draw.
Additionally, the Brazilian flyweight champion made modern-day UFC history by making an unprecedented turnaround that lasted merely 3 weeks. No champion has returned to action in such quick succession. Not to mention, ‘Deus de Guerra’ has now locked down the position of ‘Fighter of the Year’ after having participated in 4 title fights.
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Massive right hand lands for @theassassinbaby 😯 #UFC256 pic.twitter.com/2MqNAaJlZt
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) December 13, 2020
THIS UPPERCUT CAME FROM THE GROUND 😳 #UFC256 pic.twitter.com/TTYTj9peuK
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) December 13, 2020
UFC flyweights: Deiveson Figueiredo vs Brandon Moreno
The Brazilian champion started off the bout by loading up heavy shots and heavy leather was quickly being exchanged. Brandon Moreno came forth with a powerful jab and his speed was certainly a defining factor. His durability was on full display as the bout began drawing close to the end of round two.
MMA Twitter certainly went off on the flyweight title bout that was a firefight right from the get-go. Several notable MMA personalities could not contain their excitement as the fight moved into the third round.
Figueiredo knows he doesn’t get paid by the hour. All out. #UFC256
— Phil Murphy (@Phil_Sports) December 13, 2020
Everything Figueiredo throws is hard. HE wins the first round 10-9. Moreno can’t allow Figueiredo to tee off on him like that. He won’t be able to take it for a long time. #UFC256
— Kevin Iole (@KevinI) December 13, 2020
Former lightweight champion Anthony Pettis and actor Steve-O were active on social media all night and they continued to chime in. The biggest takeaway was Moreno’s chin. ‘Deus de Guerra’ continued to load up on his shots and a low kick stalled the action in round 3 and led to a point deduction.
Man, I love the @ufc so much. Thank you, @ufc!!! #UFC256
— Steve-O (@steveo) December 13, 2020
That championship main event adrenaline hits different 💯 #UFC256
— Anthony Pettis (@Showtimepettis) December 13, 2020
Damn that’s an important point. Don’t know that I agree with it
— Funky (@Benaskren) December 13, 2020
The fourth round was an all-time classic as both fighters threw the kitchen sink at each other. Figueiredo began to tire slightly in the championship rounds, and the Mexican title challenger continued to press forward with bad intentions.
Flyweights are a diff breed.
— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) December 13, 2020
Good fight shoutout to
Brandon Moreno 👊🏼— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) December 13, 2020
Great fight either way! That point really meant everything. Wondering what the boss does with them next. Rematch, or different match-ups? Dana said he really loved the fight #UFC256
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) December 13, 2020
What a great display of technique and heart. The flyweight division is full steam ahead! Run that one back! #ufc256
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) December 13, 2020
Incredible display. Makes me want to work harder
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) December 13, 2020
The new best fight of the year folks!!! #UFC256
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) December 13, 2020
The flyweight division which was in jeopardy of going extinct not more than a year ago is now thriving under Figueiredo. The division has been home to some standout champions like Demetrious Johnson and Henry Cejudo, and the weight class is here to stay. It’s clear that the 21-1 champion has the star power to rise to the top. However, he has most certainly met an all-time rival in Moreno, which will only bode well for the future of the 125-pounders.
Was this one of the fights of the year?
