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“I don’t give two f***s who he trains with,” 31-year-old Marlon Vera voiced when he was inquired about his opponent Deiveson Figueiredo ahead of their clash on UFC Abu Dhabi. The former flyweight champion of the world has been rocking after he transitioned to the bantamweight division. Interestingly, to defeat a freak fighter like ‘Chito’, Figueiredo has taken the help of Khabib Nurmagomedov but was it enough for him to get the victory?

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Both the fighters threw hands, kicks, and elbows at each other at the Etihad Arena, at UFC Abu Dhabi, however, only one of them stood after the hellish fight and it was none other than ‘God Of War’, Deiveson Figueiredo. Nurmagomedov’s takedown training appears to have worked wonders for the former flyweight champion but it looks like, he is going for the bantamweight title now.

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Deiveson Figueiredo’s victory at UFC Abu Dhabi induced Sean O’Malley to comment

Deiveson Figueiredo showcased why he is considered one of the most respected fighters on the UFC roster. The former flyweight champion of the world effortlessly defeated Marlon Vera at UFC Abu Dhabi to be on a three-fight winning streak in the bantamweight division. Vera was ready for the Brazilian’s striking but takedowns came out of the syllabus for the former bantamweight title contender.

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After the victory, the #6th ranked bantamweight fighter called out Dana White to provide him with a title shot next. Regardless, the victory as well as the callout was taken into cognizance by the bantamweight champion, Sean O’Malley who took to his X handle to add a word message to Figueiredo. O’Malley wrote, “I’d KO that little twat.”

Sean O’Malley has been a champion since he defeated Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292. The fighter will be defending his title against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306/Noche. The champion has been unstoppable since his last defeat against Marlon Vera and has taken his revenge by defeating ‘Chito’ in his last title defense. So what’s next for the bantamweight division? Let’s find out.

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The bantamweight division might be up for more championship fights

Sean O’Malley is about to defend his title against Merab Dvalishvili on September 14th at UFC Sphere. The champion finally gave a chance to the Georgian fighter to claim the title after months of calling out. Regardless, the entirety of the bantamweight division is waiting for the conclusion of the match as this would mean that either Deiveson Figueiredo or Umar Nurmagomedov might face the champion.

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Both Figueiredo a͏nd Nurmagomed͏ov won ͏their bantamweight bouts, l͏eading t͏o confusion ͏about͏ who should g͏et the t͏itle fight nex͏t. The prom͏otion wi͏ll͏ mos͏t ͏like͏ly p͏ush for ‘Young͏ Eagle’ to secur͏e the title after UFC 306, with Figueiredo potentially fighting fo͏r the 135 lbs titl͏e after͏war͏d͏. Eithe͏r this i͏s the ͏mos͏t͏ prob͏a͏ble scenario, or Figueiredo and ͏Nur͏magomed͏ov might͏ clash͏ to ͏dete͏rmi͏ne who will figh͏t ͏for the ba͏ntamweight ͏titl͏e.

UFC has a ton of opportunity for the bantamweight division. Regardless, what’s your take on the next fight for the 135 lbs belt? State your thoughts in the comments below.

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Suryakant Das

3,440 Articles

Suryakant Das is a senior writer who leads UFC live coverage at EssentiallySports, known for his broad expertise and standout professionalism in MMA journalism. Over two years in the field, he has become a key voice on real-time event updates, pre- and post-fight interviews, and analysis of viral moments from the Joe Rogan Experience. His dynamic reporting is backed by selection to the Journalistic Excellence Program, which hones advanced editorial skills and strategic coverage approaches for top talent. Suryakant’s career is defined by his ability to deliver both speed and depth. His versatile background spans sports journalism, content writing, and editorial roles, helping him navigate fast-paced live coverage and deliver meaningful stories with clarity and precision. Recognition from respected MMA figures such as Nina-Marie Daniele and Hall of Famer Michael Bisping further marks him as a trusted authority in the UFC community.

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Yeswanth Praveen

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