Deiveson Figueiredo’s return to the win column wasn’t flashy, but it was necessary. After back-to-back losses, the former two-time flyweight king needed a victory to stay relevant in the bantamweight race, and he got it at UFC Rio, edging out Montel Jackson via split decision. It wasn’t the firefight fans expected, but it was enough to remind the world that ‘Deus da Guerra’ still belongs among the elite at 37 years old.

Figueiredo used his wrestling to smother Jackson, neutralizing the American’s reach and power. Though it wasn’t a vintage performance, it was strategic, a sign that the Brazilian veteran can adapt when his usual chaos doesn’t work. As he told the UFC Rio crowd after the fight, “We pour our blood in here for your entertainment. I want to fight Merab [Dvalishvili]. But I know I have to work hard to get there.”  That’s the goal. But will Dana White see it that way? Let’s look at three matchups that make sense next for the former champ!

Merab Dvalishvili vs Deiveson Figueiredo for the bantamweight title after UFC Rio

Before UFC Rio, Figueiredo was clear about his ambition: to leapfrog the line and fight Merab Dvalishvili next. As he told MMA Fighting, “We can see he’s almost tied with the best in terms of title defenses in the organization. I give him that credit, yes. And for me, it would be a pleasure to fight him.”

And he’s not wrong. Dvalishvili has already run through the top of the division, currently on a 14-fight win streak, and defeating Sean O’Malley (twice), Cory Sandhagen, Petr Yan, Umar Nurmagomedov and Henry Cejudo. The champion is running out of fresh matchups, and Figueiredo, with his power and jiu-jitsu, presents something different. Sure, ‘Deus da Guerra’ didn’t dominate Jackson in highlight-reel fashion, but the storylines are there: a former champion chasing redemption, the relentless bantamweight king seeking a new challenge, and a clash of styles that promises chaos.

If Dana White wants a fight that sells, especially in Brazil, Dvalishvili vs. Figueiredo would be explosive. The question is, does the UFC see him as ready for that leap, or will he need one more test first? If so, there are other matchups available for him!

Figueiredo could wait for the results of Umar Nurmagomedov vs Mario Bautista

If the UFC wants to play it safe, the logical next step could be the winner of Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Mario Bautista, set for October 25 at UFC 321. Figueiredo is sitting at 14-5-1 inside the Octagon after UFC Rio, and a win over a rising star could push him into title contention.

Umar, cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov, has only one loss in the UFC, which came in a title shot against ‘The Machine’ at UFC 311 earlier this year, and is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous young bantamweights alive. A matchup between him and Figueiredo would be a test of pedigree, Dagestani royalty versus Brazilian action. If Nurmagomedov wins and doesn’t immediately earn a title shot rematch,  Figueiredo could step in as the perfect litmus test for the Dagestani’s climb up the ladder once more.

And if Bautista pulls off the upset? That opens another path. A fight between two resilient veterans trying to climb the ladder could still be on the cards, provided Bautista doesn’t get a title shot after UFC 321.

Henry Cejudo’s retirement fight against Figueiredo

Then there’s the wildcard, Henry Cejudo. The 38-year-old has openly said he has “one fight left” before calling it a career. Once the face of UFC’s smaller divisions, Cejudo has lost three straight, to Aljamain Sterling, Merab Dvalishvili, and, most recently, Song Yadong. But even on a skid, his name carries weight as he’s still ranked no.10

Cejudo has publicly admitted he wants to make peace with Dana White, saying, “I do feel like Dana’s f—-g mad at me for retiring in 2020 and that’s still in him.” What better way to end his run than against another former champion trying to reclaim his glory?

Figueiredo vs. Cejudo practically sells itself — two world-class technicians, both ex-champions, both desperate to remind fans of their greatness. It’s also a fight that could close a chapter in the bantamweight story while giving both men a final shot at relevance. For Cejudo, it’s about legacy. For Figueiredo, it’s leverage.

The final call, as always, rests in the hands of Dana White and the UFC matchmakers. Still, one thing is clear: Deiveson Figueiredo’s win at UFC Rio has reopened doors that once seemed closed. Whether it’s a title shot against Merab Dvalishvili, a contender clash with Umar Nurmagomedov or Mario Bautista, or a legacy showdown with Henry Cejudo, the Brazilian veteran now stands at a crossroads. Who would you like to see him face next? Drop your picks in the comments below!