With three dominant performances in title fights this year, Deiveson Figueiredo has grabbed the attention of mainstream media in 2020. He is also proving to be the go-to champ for the UFC after two title fights fell off for UFC 256. However, his opponent for Saturday night will pose one of the biggest challenges for him in recent history.

Figueiredo will step inside the Octagon just after three weeks of defending his flyweight gold at UFC 255 against Alex Perez. The UFC flyweight champ is in the form of his life. He has successfully stamped his authority over the division whose previous champs have been some of the greatest fighters in the UFC. The Brazilian has also embarked on a similar route.

The fighter he faces this weekend, Brandon Moreno, hasn’t had the same journey so far in the UFC. He has had his share of ups-and-downs. He has even experienced what it feels like to be released from the promotion. Nonetheless, Moreno fought his way back to the UFC and has since proven that he belongs in the Octagon.

Figueiredo is a decisive favorite ahead of the fight, and rightly so. When you compare the two fighters on paper, ‘Deus da Guerra’ does everything better. However, combat sports, particularly the UFC, have always been unpredictable. Therefore, it wouldn’t be wise to completely count out Moreno off this contest.

Brandon Moreno has to take the fight to the deep waters

Moreno’s biggest weapon against the flyweight champ will be his jab. Even though the challenger enjoys only a two-inch reach advantage, he has proven that he can make reads on his opponents behind the jab. However, doing so against someone like Figueiredo will be anything but a walk in the park.

The champ has always been more comfortable throwing counters rather than being the aggressor in the exchanges. Therefore, to throw the Brazilian off his game plan, Moreno will have to frustrate him by piling on damage via constant volume. He will have to move in and out with his punches and not provide Moreno the chance to land the power shot.

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On the ground, Figueiredo looks like the more crafty grappler. However, Moreno has an underrated jiu-jitsu game. If the exchanges on the mat get long enough, particularly in the later rounds, he may slowly scramble to favorable positions.

Along with all this, Moreno will have to hope that the X-factor of fighting on such a brief notice works in his favor. Although, the odds are stacked against him, ‘The Assassin Baby’ has made a living out of making comebacks. Hence, there’s no reason as to why it can’t happen once more.

UFC 256- Deiveson Figueiredo vs Brandon Moreno: Predictions and Analysis