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Chael Sonnen Says Deiveson Figueiredo Cannot Sell Like Mike Tyson and Oscar De La Hoya

Published 11/20/2020, 9:14 AM EST

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Deiveson Figueiredo, the 125 lbs champion, is one of the best fighters on the UFC roster. He has earned two back-to-back wins against Joseph Benavidez.

Benavidez has been considered one of the best flyweights to ever do it for a considerable amount of time. However, the Brazilian phenom bested the longtime flyweight stalwart quite easily.

According to Chael Sonnen, even the great Demetrious Johnson was not a draw. “Go look at Demetrious Johnson, whose skills are beyond reproach. But I never really bought the idea that he was a good draw.

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“I think a lot of people really liked him and wanted to see him but one thing he did have, even Jon Jones is having that right now, this could happen to anybody, is a dance partner.

“When you are driving the car and you are going to be the marquee guy, you are going to be the main event, you’re gonna bring world title because you are bringing the darn thing. You need a co-pilot,” said ‘The Bad Guy’.

Henry Cejudo, the former flyweight and bantamweight champion of the UFC, was a draw though. He helped DJ’s cause to some extent. “I never saw anybody help Demetrious, I think Cejudo got as close as you could do. And as far as Figueiredo goes, he’s gonna have it.”

Sonnen believes only two fighters can sell a fight on their own

Chael Sonnen also added that there have been only two fighters in the history of combat sports to have the ability to sell a fight on their own. Everybody else has needed the help of their co-fighters to become a star.

You don’t just have a star, he needs a little bit of help. Then there are only two fighters in the history who can sell on their own, regardless of the opponent, Mike Tyson, and Oscar De La Hoya.”

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The flyweight division has always been a problem

The former middleweight and light heavyweight title challenger in the UFC also believes that finding a co-partner at flyweight has always been rather precarious.

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The point that I am trying to make for you is you’re in business with somebody, you can like them or not but they are your partner for that night. At 125 lbs for whatever reason, getting that co-pilot has always been tricky,” added Sonnen.

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It’s very true that it takes two fighters to make an event successful and sell the show. Figueiredo is a brilliant fighter in his own credit. His record speaks for itself. But there hasn’t been any major name except for Benavidez in his record so far.

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That might prevent him from being a renowned star, like Henry Cejudo, as there are not many upcoming names in the flyweight division right now.

What do you think of Chael Sonnen’s assessment in the Deiveson Figueiredo situation? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by:

Apratim Banerjee

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Apratim Banerjee is an MMA author for EssentiallySports and has been writing professionally for almost a year. Before his current gig, Apratim worked as a UFC writer for Sportskeeda. A long-time MMA fan, Apratim has developed a critical eye for the sport that has helped him transfer his vast knowledge to his copies and give hardcore and casual readers a detailed insight into the fights and fighters.
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