Deiveson focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC
Deiveson Figueiredo may be closer than you think to a new fight for the belt. The Brazilian gave a strategic performance , beat Montel Jackson in the co-main event of UFC Rio, held last Saturday (11), and got rid of the bad phase with a performance that caught the attention of the bantamweight champion (up to 61,2kg), Merab Dvalishvili.
In a post on 'X' (formerly Twitter), Merab Dvalishvili congratulated the former champion on his performance, acknowledged the Brazilian's merits, and made it clear that he intends to face him at the top of the category.
"Congratulations, Deiveson. Great performance against a top-notch opponent! I'm waiting for you," Merab wrote.
Congratulations @DDeusdaguerra ! Great performance against a top opponent! I'm waiting for you #UFCRio
— Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili (@MerabDvalishvil) October 12, 2025
With his victory at UFC Rio, Deiveson Figueiredo returned to winning ways. The former flyweight champion (up to 56,7kg) moved to the bantamweight division and accumulated three consecutive wins until being defeated by Petr Yan by judges' decision. Following that, the Brazilian was defeated by Cory Sandhagen and now has returned to winning ways by beating Montel Jackson.
With Merab Dvalishvili 's 13 consecutive UFC wins , Deiveson Figueiredo represents an unprecedented challenge in the bantamweight division. And if the champion desires to share the octagon with the 'god of war', the Brazilian's desire is mutual. In a press conference at the media day before UFC Rio, Deiveson emphasized that his current goal was to win and get closer to a title shot.
“My goal is to win on Saturday and I’m ready to face Merab Dvalishvili . It’s a dream of mine and I know I have the potential to win,” said Deiveson Figueiredo.
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