Dana White is reportedly looking forward to booking a rematch between Joseph Benavidez and Deiveson Figueiredo.
After Henry Cejudo moved up to bantamweight, Joseph Benavidez and Deiveson Figueiredo went one on one for the flyweight championship. Benavidez was the #1 contender whereas Figueiredo was at #3.
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The fight went down at UFC Fight Night 169 in Norfolk.
Benavidez was the betting favourite. However, Figueiredo shocked the world. A headbutt in the second round was followed by a brutal shot that knocked down Benavidez.
Although Figueiredo won the match by a TKO, he did not win the title. This was because he came in 2.5 lbs heavier than the weight limit.
Figueiredo is a huge flyweight with a walk-around weight of more than 160 lbs.
Joseph Benavidez vs Deiveson Figueiredo 2?
White believes that the headbutt was a major factor that affected the outcome of the fight.
Dana White on Figueiredo’s win: “I think the headbutt had a lot to do with the knockout. Not taking anything away from him, it was a great fight. But I think you have to do that fight again.”https://t.co/CwotWsBeD6 (8:23)
Source: @reviewjournal
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) March 4, 2020
Adam Hill tweeted out that Dana White is looking forward to a rematch between Figueiredo and Benavidez.
UFC president Dana White says he is leaning toward booking a Benavidez-Figueiredo rematch for the 125-pound title
— Adam Hill (@AdamHillLVRJ) March 3, 2020
After suffering a loss like that, an immediate rematch could yield drastic results for Benavidez. He needs some time to recover from his loss. Even before the finish, Figueiredo had an upper hand in the fight.
This victory moved Figueiredo to #1 spot whereas Benavidez dropped to #2 in the rankings.
What does this mean for the flyweight division?
After Demetrious Johnson lost the flyweight title, Dana White was keen on scrapping the flyweight division from the UFC. However, Cejudo’s first title defence caused White to change his mind.
Since Cejudo moved up a weight class, the division was in Murky waters. After Figueiredo won the match without winning the title, it seemed like the division was in trouble again. But White wanting to book a rematch just reassured the MMA community that the division will stay.
The date and venue of the rematch have not been confirmed yet.
Do we need a rematch?
Although there is some controversy regarding the match, the headbutt was unintentional as Benavidez tends to lean his head forward.
Since Benavidez will also require time to recover, the UFC can book a match between Figueiredo another top contender.
What do you think of Dana White’s decision to book a rematch?
