Deiveson Figueiredo returned to winning ways with a split-decision victory over Montel Jackson in the co-main event of UFC Rio. While the fight lacked fireworks, the former two-time flyweight champion’s grappling proved to be the difference. Figueiredo relied on takedowns and positional control to nullify Jackson’s reach and striking advantage, keeping the American on the defensive for most of the contest.

Jackson started strong with quick punches from the outside, but Figueiredo quickly changed levels for a takedown, setting the tone for the bout. On the ground, he hunted for submissions and maintained control before landing a hard right hook late in the opening round that sent Jackson stumbling. Figueiredo carried his momentum into the second, securing mount and threatening with an arm-triangle choke, though Jackson managed to escape.

Deiveson Figueiredo calls out Merab Dvalishvili

By the third round, Deiveson Figueiredo slowed his pace, confident in his lead, while Montel Jackson failed to mount any significant offense. When the scorecards were read—29-28, 29-28, and 28-29—Figueiredo earned the split-decision nod, much to the delight of the Brazilian crowd. “This is what it’s about,” Figueiredo announced in the aftermath of the fight. 

He addressed his supporters, saying, “We pour our blood in here for your entertainment. There’s a lot of people online wishing me harm. I want to fight Merab [Dvalishvili]. But I know I have to work hard to get there.” Merab Dvalishvili is fresh off a dominant unanimous decision victory over Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320.

That might explain why, despite Figueiredo’s confidence, many fans remain unconvinced about his chances against the Georgian powerhouse.

Fans warn Figueiredo about Dvalishvili

One user could not believe Figueiredo’s callout. The user commented, “Ain’t no way he’s saying Merab’s name when he could only pull out 40 – 40-something total strikes in 3 rounds. Merab is leagues away from him.” In the top six bantamweight rankings, Figueiredo is only the second Merab hasn’t fought. 

Another user warned Figueiredo regarding his intentions. The user wrote, “Figgy just broke his losing streak by beating the 15th-ranked guy by split dec in a lackluster bout and is 37. He has NOTHING for Merab. There’s what you want and what’s realistic.” Figueiredo was on a two-fight losing streak before tonight—it’s unlikely one win would land him the fight. 

The next user mocked the Brazilian. The user wrote, “So Figueiredo wants to fight Merab but cries with joy over a split decision against the worst of the top 15 in the category lol.” This was Montel Jackson’s first loss since July 2020 against Brett Johns.

Someone else feared for Figueiredo. The user claimed, “Don’t put Merab against Figgy 😭😭😭 poor Figgy’s gonna get mauled 😭😭😭.” Since losing two fights after his debut, Dvalishvili has never lost a fight in the UFC. 

Meanwhile, this user wanted to see chaos unfold. The user claimed, “I would be interested in Merab vs Figgy. Merab obviously wins, but it could be fun.” Dvalishvili is running out of options in the top 10 quickly anyway.

Having said that, it appears that even though Deiveson Figueiredo secured a win against Montel Jackson, the public thinks it’s a bad idea for him to face Merab Dvalishvili. Do you agree?