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UFC Norfolk: Joseph Benavidez vs Deiveson Figueiredo: Fight Card Prediction

Published 02/29/2020, 11:46 AM EST

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Joseph Benavidez vs Deiveson Figueiredo also known as UFC Fight Night 169 will take place this Saturday.

After Henry Cejudo defeated TJ  Dillashaw in his first-ever flyweight title defence, he moved to bantamweight to capture his second belt. Since Cejudo vacated his flyweight belt, Benavidez vs Figueiredo was the ideal fight to book.

Joseph Benavidez vs Deiveson Figueiredo (Main event)

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Joseph Benavidez is the #1 contender in the flyweight division. He is coming off a three-fight win streak. He also holds a major victory over the former flyweight champion, Henry Cejudo. Benavidez has brutal knockout power in his hands. However, he throws a lot of looping punches in the hopes of knocking his opponents out.

On the other hand, Deiveson Figueiredo made his UFC debut in 2017. Since then he has just lost one fight and holds a record of 18-1. He is coming off a two-fight win streak. Given the power that Figueiredo possesses, he will eventually drop Benavidez. Figueiredo performs better on the outside with his precision and power. His straight punches will be faster than Benavidez’s looping shots.

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When it comes to the statistics, Figueiredo has finished 50% of his opponents by KO/TKO. Whereas Benavidez has a stopped 30% of his opponents via KO/TKO. Figueiredo will have a 3 inches reach advantage over Benavidez.

Both men have an excellent ground game. However, Benavidez has better cardio than Figueiredo. He can pace himself for five rounds whereas Figueiredo has shown some cardio issues in the past. Benavidez also has better wrestling and leg kicking game. He is also more experienced than Figueiredo.

The fight will be a close one with Figueiredo winning the first few rounds. However, Benavidez will win by a decision.

Winner: Joseph Benavidez

UFC News: Deiveson Figueiredo Is Not Eligible to Win Flyweight Title Against Joseph Benavidez

Felicia Spencer vs Zarah Fairn dos Santos (Co-main event)

This matchup will probably decide the next contender for the women’s featherweight champion, Amanda Nunes. Felicia Spencer was able to submit Megan Anderson in their fight and Megan Anderson was able to submit Zarah in their fight. Although Spencer is expected to beat Zarah, one thing we all know is that MMA math is not reliable.

Spencer is a good grappler whereas Zarah is the better striker. Spencer has a superior clinch game. Eventually, Zarah will likely get dragged down and submitted by Spencer.

Winner: Felicia Spencer

Ion Cuțelaba vs Magomed Ankalaev

It is power vs precision battle when it comes to Cuțelaba vs Ankalaev. Cutelaba has brutal power which can knock his opponents out. However, 21-1 Ankalaev is equally good. He also has a better wrestling game than Cutelaba. The counter right hooks by Ankalaev will lead to Cutelaba’s eventual demise.

Winner: Magomed Ankalaev

Megan Anderson vs Norma Dumont

After a long layoff, Dumont will face Megan Anderson on the main card of UFC Norfolk. Although Dumont is undefeated, she just had 4 fights in her pro career. Her entire pro career is equal to the losses on Anderson’s career. Dumont’s lack of inexperience will help Anderson secure the victory. Anderson will finish Dumont via KO/TKO.

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Winner: Megan Anderson

Grant Dawson vs Darrick Minner

Grant Dawson will take on debutant Darrick Minner in a featherweight showdown. The match will serve as the opener for the main card. Although Minner has more fights than Dawson, there is a difference in the level of competition. Dawson is the superior fighter and will secure the victory by a decision.

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Winner: Grant Dawson

Read: Henry Cejudo Issues a Strong Statement After Deiveson Figueiredo Misses Weight For Flyweight Title Fight

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Written by:

Shantanu Mayenkar

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