The UFC Flyweight division finally has a new champion. Deiveson Figueiredo took on Joseph Benavidez in a rematch from their first meeting in March. On that occasion, Figueiredo stepped onto the scales at 2.5 lbs overweight. Hence he was ineligible to claim the belt despite winning the fight.

In the buildup to their second encounter, ‘Deus da Guerra’s first coronavirus test came back positive and cast a shadow over the bout. However, after a second test was negative, he got the all-clear to head to Abu Dhabi. Also, the Brazilian promised to submit Benavidez and embarrass him. He did exactly that at the 3rd Fight Island event.

Deiveson Figueiredo dominates Joseph Benavidez

The fight started aggressively with power and both fighters landed punches. Then ‘Deus da Guerra’ landed a blow that sent Benavidez to the floor. Here, in just the 2nd minute of the contest, he locked in a choke. However, Benavidez got out of it through sheer grit and determination. 

All the while, the Brazilian punished Benavidez and landed shots right at his midsection. The American fighter absorbed elbows to his face that busted his nose open too. 

Trending

Michael Chandler Handed Sad Update on Conor McGregor Fight at UFC 303 – “He’s Not Going to Get Pay-Per-View Points”

April 24, 2024 07:47 PM EDT

Israel Adesanya Responds After Shaquille O’Neal Brands Two-Time Champ “Greatest Athletes Ever” Along With Jon Jones and Kamaru Usman

April 27, 2024 07:23 AM EDT

Khabib Nurmagomedov Hints a Comeback for Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier at UFC 302; LW Champ Drops 5 Word Response

April 27, 2024 08:07 AM EDT

Tables Turn On Israel Adesanya as Bradley Martyn Exposes “Clout Chasing” Accusations

April 24, 2024 01:55 PM EDT

“Colby Called the Cops” – Ryan Garcia Teaching Covington His Boxing Secrets Leaves Combat World in Splits

April 28, 2024 07:49 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest UFC stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Once the fighters reestablished a vertical base, Figueiredo knocked down again. However, he staggered following a leg kick. Benavidez ate a punch again and fell to the canvas. However, he gamely fought on.

As the fight entered the final minute of round 1, ‘Deus da Guerra’ secured his third knockdown on the night. He swooped in and landed 6 elbows to Benavidez’s face, before turning him over and locking in the choke once more. At this point, the 2nd ranked contender went limp as referee Marc Goddard waved off the fight. 

This marked the first time Benavidez had lost a fight via submission. His previous defeats had come via decision (4) and knockout (1)

The top-ranked contender has UFC Championship gold for the first time in his 8-year professional career. Now, he will look to establish a dominant reign over the division akin to the previous champions in Demetrious Johnson and Henry Cejudo.

What did you make of Deiveson Figueiredo’s impressive showing in the Flyweight Championship fight on Fight Island?

INSANE: Ariane Lipski Destroys Luana Carolina with a Brutal Kneebar in Under 2 Minutes