‘I’ll Knock Him Out’: Deiveson Figueiredo Eyes Flyweight Return, Targets Joshua Van

Deiveson Figueiredo is scheduled for a bantamweight bout against Payton Talbott on 3 October in the co-main event of UFC 332. 

However, irrespective of the outcome, the Brazilian has asked the UFC to put him against the current flyweight champion next. He also assured that he would make weight “easy.”

Deiveson Figueiredo Wants to Fight Joshua Van Next

When asked to share his thoughts on the 24-year-old champion and the current status of the flyweight division, Figueiredo expressed his interest in a return. 

“I’ve been asking the UFC and telling them I will make that weight very easy. I have been asking them to just make that fight. I want that opportunity. Let’s see if his boxing is as good as mine. If I get the opportunity, I knock him out,” the Brazilian said. 

At UFC 331, Joshua Van defeated former champion Alexandre Pantoja to defend his title for the second time. However, Figueiredo believes Pantoja used the wrong game plan. 

The Brazilian praised Van’s striking and mentioned that while it is exciting to engage in an exchange with him, it is also important to grapple. 

Figueiredo claimed he would combine both his striking and grappling to put Van’s skills to the test if the potential match-up comes to fruition.  

Can Figueiredo Fight Van Next?

Considering the current flyweight rankings, Manel Kape appears to be a legitimate challenger for the title shot next. 

With a 23-7 record, he is riding a four-fight win streak. All of his victories have come via a finish. His resume makes it hard to argue.

Meanwhile, Figueiredo has held the flyweight title twice. However, he moved up to the bantamweight division after his second loss to Brandon Moreno in 2023. 

However, he has faced a rough patch since. The Brazilian has lost two fights in a row this year. Thus, irrespective of the outcome at UFC 332, it is very unlikely that the UFC will offer him a flyweight title shot.