Deiveson Figueiredo says Kahbib's cousin doesn't deserve a shot at the belt. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Deiveson Figueiredo lives in anticipation of having the chance to win his second UFC belt. The Brazilian, former flyweight champion (up to 56,7 kg), is the champion's favorite Merab Dvalishvili to be the first challenger for the bantamweight title (up to 61,2 kg). If the choice is confirmed, Daico would leave behind Umar Nurmagomedov, Khabib's cousin, and the organization's favorite. With the impasse, Deiveson came to his defense and claims that his rival still does not deserve the title fight.
In an interview with the American website MMA Fighting, Deiveson stated that Umar, despite being second in the bantamweight rankings, has only one victory against a top 15 athlete in the category. The Brazilian reinforced that Khabib's cousin would still need to be tested more before fighting for the title.
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“I was watching the fight and at the end he (Merab) looked at me, I was about ten meters away from him, and he started pointing at me. I was rooting for him because now we can make this fight happen. I thought he would challenge me in the octagon, but he mentioned my name in the interviews,” said Figueiredo, before questioning Umar’s worthiness.
“I’m here, man. Umar just got here. He just had his first fight against a tough guy and I’m sure he needs to be tested more, fight someone first, maybe (with O’Malley). I’ve been tested. I left a division where I was champion and I’ve come up fighting strong guys. I haven’t had easy fights. I definitely pose more danger to Merab. People have been challenging me since I got to this division. Maybe they think I’m an easy fight, but I prove otherwise in the Octagon. I’m ready to fight for that belt, I want to win it,” he added.
Merab comes to the defense of Deiveson Figueiredo
Deiveson Figueiredo has an important ally in the chance to fight for the belt. The champion Merab Dvalishvili, who won the title by defeating Sean O'Malley in the main event of the UFC 306, last Saturday (14), reinforced the challenge of facing the Brazilian.
"I Think Deiveson Figueiredo “He deserves to be next because he’s a former champion. He’s tough, he’s got knockout power and a submission game. I saw him in the arena today. He’s a great champion and he just beat three guys. I think he deserves more. Those guys excite me more. He’s bigger than me and he looks like an anaconda finishing people. That excites me, that’s why I want to fight him. I’m just a UFC fighter and I’ll fight whoever Dana White wants. Whoever he chooses, I’ll fight,” said the Georgian.
Former flyweight champion (up to 56,7 kg), Deiveson Figueiredo is undefeated since moving up to bantamweight, with three wins in three fights, the last of which was over the Ecuadorian and former title challenger Marlon Vera, which took the Brazilian to fifth place in the ranking.
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