Deiveson Figueiredo believes he can climb to the top of the mountain, just like Alex Pereira did at UFC 320.
Just a few years ago, Figueiredo was the reigning flyweight champion of the world. These days, ‘Deus da Guerra’ is struggling to find his way in the bantamweight division. After falling short in back-to-back fights against Petr Yan and Cory Sandhangen, he will look to right the ship when he steps back into the Octagon at UFC Rio for a high-stakes matchup against standout Montel Jackson.
Approaching 40, some would suggest Figueiredo’s best days are behind him, but the Brazilian finds inspiration in his compatriots. Especially Glover Teixeira, who defied all odds and captured the UFC light heavyweight title well after his 40th birthday.
“I’m about to turn 38 and ‘Poatan’ just became a champion at this age,” Figueiredo said MMA fighting. “It’s inspiring. But for me, my example is Glover Teixeira, a man who became champion at the age of 41 or 42. That motivates me even more.”
Deiveson Figueiredo looks to break Jackson’s six-fight winning streak in Rio
Just outside the top five in the division, Figueiredo could very well be one big win away from another shot at UFC gold. That obviously won’t be an easy task when he goes up against the rising Jackson.
Stringing together six straight victories, including a stunning 18-second knockout of Da’Mon Blackshear last year, ‘Quik’ finally broke into the bantamweight top 15. With a win over Figueiredo in enemy territory, Jackson was able to launch himself deep into the top 10, making him an instant contender in the UFC’s most talent-rich division.
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