Who can forget Deiveson Figueiredo choking out Joseph Benavidez after a dominant display five years ago? Benavidez went to sleep with a scary look on his face and woke up with a scream. That’s how violent ‘Figgy’ was that night. A performance befitting his moniker, wouldn’t you say? But have you ever wondered why the Brazilian is called ‘Deus da Guerra’ or ‘God of War’?

The nickname isn’t just catchy. It’s a window into Figueiredo’s identity, both as a fighter and a man. As he sharpens his blades once again for UFC on ESPN 67, where he’ll face the always-dangerous Cory Sandhagen, let’s unravel the story behind his awe-inspiring moniker!

Why is Deiveson Figueiredo called ‘God Of War’ or ‘Deus Da Guerra’?

In Portuguese, ‘Deus’ means God, ‘da’ is of, and ‘Guerra’ is war. But for Deiveson Figueiredo, it’s more than a direct translation—it’s an embodiment of who he becomes inside the cage.

The nickname might sound like something carved from ancient myth. And fittingly, it draws inspiration from one of pop culture’s most savage warriors—Kratos, the lead character in the God of War video game series. It is a successful video game franchise by Santa Monica Studios, including the 2018 Game of the Year, God of War. 

The series saw its last entry in the form of God of War: Ragnarok, which features the titular character of Kratos, the fictional Greek god of war, who sports a red streak across his head and face.

Figueiredo, much like Kratos, walks into battle with fury in his eyes and destruction in his hands. The resemblance is uncanny, both in spirit and in style.

But what makes the moniker stick isn’t just violence. It’s the aura. The man grew up taming livestock on a farm in Brazil—his father was a rancher, and his youth was spent wrangling animals and chasing horses. The discipline, the resilience, the raw connection to nature—it all forged a warrior mindset.

And even now, as a UFC star, Figueiredo still shares snapshots of his rural past. The dirt, the sun, the sweat—it shaped him long before the lights of the Octagon did.

Deiveson Figueiredo’s hairstyle and its connection to his nickname

Ever noticed that red streak running through Deiveson Figueiredo’s hair? That’s not just a style statement—it’s war paint.

The streak is a direct homage to Kratos, the iconic God of War character who carries a red tattoo down the side of his head and face. In the game, it symbolizes vengeance, rage, and sacrifice.

He doesn’t just dye his hair to look cool on fight night. He does it to channel something deeper. Like Kratos, he doesn’t fight for points. He fights for dominance. To break wills. And with a 31% KO/TKO rate and the same percentage for his submission finishes in the UFC, it’s clear that the nickname isn’t just earned—it’s lived.

Now, as the ‘God of War’ marches toward a new battlefield—UFC on ESPN 67 in Des Moines, Iowa—he faces Cory Sandhagen, a slick striker with footwork like smoke and precision like a sniper.

Will Sandhagen’s movement and technique unravel the chaos of the Brazilian brawler? Or will ‘Deus da Guerra’ impose his will once again, leaving another body in the wake of his wrath? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!