RIO DE JANEIRO — Deiveson Figueiredo believes Merab Dvalishvili deserves to be referred to as the best bantamweight of all time—however that doesn’t imply he’s unbeatable.
Forward of his struggle with Montel Jackson at UFC Rio on Saturday, Figueiredo gave props to Dvalishvili days after his UFC 320 title bout victory over Cory Sandhagen. It was Dvalishvili’s championship protection in a row and 14th straight victory total.
Figueiredo, a former UFC flyweight champion, appears to maintain climbing the ranks at 135 kilos and arrange a struggle with Dvalishvili for the possibility to change into a two-division champion.
“He’s been doing a superb job,” Figueiredo instructed MMA Preventing. “We will see he’s virtually tied with the very best when it comes to title defenses within the group. I give him that credit score, sure. And for me, it will be a pleasure to struggle him.”
Figueiredo inserted his identify within the dialog for a shot on the 135-pound belt with a trio of wins over Rob Font, Cody Garbrandt, and Marlon Vera between 2023 and 2024, however then misplaced a call to ex-champion Petr Yan. Six months later, he injured his knee towards Sandhagen and noticed the American get the crack at UFC gold.
“I at all times inform myself that every time I lose it’s as a result of I made some mistake in my life, you understand?” Figueiredo mentioned. “Between the Petr Yan and Cory fights, I made some errors. In opposition to Cory, I got here in coping with severe accidents, and even so I nonetheless fought and didn’t let the struggle get cancelled.
“Now, on Saturday, I need to go in 100%, present what I’m able to and get that win. And naturally, I’ll positively ask for a title shot — particularly as a result of, among the many massive names within the division, I’m the one one who hasn’t fought Merab but. I hope I get that chance. … If I am going in there and ship an amazing efficiency, that might get me a title shot. That’s what I’m after.”
Dvalishvili’s present successful streak contains the likes of Jose Aldo, Henry Cejudo, Marlon Moraes, Sean O’Malley and Umar Nurmagomedov, and he hasn’t tasted defeat since his first two octagon appearances towards Frankie Saenz and Ricky Simon.
“The important thing [to beating Dvalishvili] shouldn’t be being timid,” Figueiredo mentioned. “Be your self and make him again up, you understand? Make him really feel it, make him understand that on the opposite aspect there’s additionally somebody who can damage him.”
Figueiredo turns 38 in December, however watching Alex Pereira regain his UFC gentle heavyweight belt at that age — and others like Glover Teixeira do it regardless of being a lot older — offers him inspiration.
“I simply heard about Poatan’s [age] now, however I’ve at all times appeared as much as Glover Teixeira,” Figueiredo mentioned. “A man who turned champion even at [42], that motivates me much more. I do know I can do it. I can struggle for and win the belt up till I’m 40.”
One factor Figueiredo refuses to do to attempt to pace up his rise to the highest is discuss trash at his opponents. Again in the identical area the place he misplaced his UFC belt to Brandon Moreno, an opponent he tried to have interaction verbally like by no means earlier than, Figueiredo regrets appearing that method.
“It was an excessive amount of data in my head, and I used to be by no means actually that sort of man,” Figueiredo mentioned. “I let myself get carried away by it. However I’m right here now, and I’m positive there’s nonetheless time to repair that. What I would like most now’s to step into the octagon and present what I do finest. … Each day, each month, yearly, I attempt to get higher. That’s crucial factor, realizing while you’re improper and dealing to enhance. That’s what I’m doing.”
