Deiveson Figueiredo defends UFC 332 card from criticism

Deiveson Figueiredo has defended the UFC 332 card after the event received criticism from fans and analysts. The card will be headlined by Natalia Silva and Wang Cong in a vacant flyweight title fight, while Figueiredo will face Payton Talbott in the co-main event. Despite the criticism, the former UFC Flyweight Champion believes the fighters can make the event a success inside the Octagon.

Deiveson Figueiredo Defends UFC 332

UFC 332 has faced criticism since Natalia Silva vs. Wang Cong was announced as the main event. The two flyweights will fight for the vacant title on Oct. 3 in Salt Lake City, Utah, after Valentina Shevchenko vacated the belt due to injury.

Figueiredo, however, believes the criticism does not necessarily reflect what will happen on fight night. The Brazilian expects the fighters on the card to deliver exciting performances.

"About the criticism, it's a little annoying," Figueiredo told MMA Fighting. "But I'm sure that all the fighters the UFC put on the card are ready to have a great fight, you know? And what looks weak can become strong. I'm sure — especially me, man, I'm ready to have a great fight."

Deiveson Figueiredo Happy with Co-Main Event Spot

Figueiredo was originally not expected to compete in the co-main event, but changes to the card moved his fight with Talbott into the co-main event spot. The Brazilian admits he was surprised by the development but is happy with the UFC's decision to give him a prominent spot. The former champion also pointed to his history with the promotion, saying he has consistently been featured on the main card throughout his UFC career.

"Man, I have a name, I have a history," Figueiredo said. "I admit that I didn't expect it, but there were some complications on the card, and I moved up to do the co-main event, you know? I'm happy, man. Once again I see the UFC valuing me, giving me great fights, great cards, always fighting on the main card — when it's not main event, it's the co-main event. I'm always ready, and I always want to be ready for when the UFC calls me."

Deiveson Figueiredo Confident Against Payton Talbott

Figueiredo will now face one of the UFC's rising bantamweight contenders. Talbott has won his last two fights against Felipe Lima and former two-division champion Henry Cejudo. Meanwhile, the Brazilian is looking to rebound after losing his last two fights, to Umar Nurmagomedov and Song Yadong.

Despite Talbott's reputation as a dangerous striker, Figueiredo believes he has the skills to dictate where the fight takes place. The Brazilian is confident he can find a knockout if he is able to fight aggressively, but he is also prepared to rely on his grappling.

"He has excellence in striking," Figueiredo said. "But I see myself as a guy with more excellence. If I fight at my level, aggressively, I'm sure I'm going to go right at him, and with great chances of knocking him out. But I can also do the grappling style. I'm a guy who trains all areas, so anything can happen in this fight. I'm prepared to have a great fight against him."

Figueiredo enters the matchup looking to turn things around. The Brazilian has struggled in recent years, compiling a 1-4 record in his last five appearances.