Deiveson Figueiredo beats Joseph Benavidez by knockout, but doesn't take the belt at UFC Norfolk

D. Figueiredo in victory for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @daico_desdaguerra

Brazil could be celebrating another belt in the history of Ultimate. In the main fight of UFC Norfolk, which took place this Saturday (29), in the United States, which would be valid for the flyweight title (up to 56,7k.), Deiveson Figueiredo should become the new champion of the category in the clash against Joseph Benavidez. The man from Pará fulfilled his promise, he won the fight with a knockout in the second round, but, having failed to make the weight cut last Friday (28), he did not become the new 'king' of the division.

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After failing to fulfill his commitment to the scales, the Brazilian stated that he would put on a show this weekend to guarantee the opportunity to compete for the title in the future. Deiveson entered the octagon with confidence and, acting most of the time with his guard down, put on a great show for the fans.

Joseph, who had the chance to become champion after two failed attempts (2012 and 2013), was unable to set his pace and succumbed to the strength of the Pará native's hands.

After the fight, the Brazilian apologized to the public and UFC for the mistake and promised to always perform at the best level in his fights.

“I'm not here for the belt, I'm here to put on a show for you. Today the belt is not here with me, but by the grace of God, it comes! He’s coming!”, said Figueiredo after the victory.

The fight

The fight began with the two athletes studying each other in the center of the Octagon. Benavidez took the initiative with a low kick over the Brazilian. The American again attacked with a left cross that touched Deiveson's face. The Brazilian defended himself and managed a good takedown on Joseph and almost got an armbar. Benavidez managed to free himself and the fight was fought on the feet again. The man from Pará seemed confident in the confrontation and acted with his guard down. Figueiredo continued to change bases and confuse the North American. The athlete tried to take the man from Pará to the ground, but Deiveson showed attention to his defenses. In the final minute, the North American connected a good sequence of punches that landed cleanly on the Brazilian's face, but Figueiredo remained alert. In the final seconds, the combatants started to exchange franks, but the timer ran to zero.

In the second round, Deiveson returned, starting the action with a round kick to Benavidez's waistline. The Brazilian remained confident in his striking and hit his opponent in most of his actions. Joseph grew again after connecting a good left cross that touched the man from Pará. Two minutes later, Deiveson connected with a straight right, which exploded in the North American's face, taking his opponent to the ground. After attacking the opponent, the referee interrupted the confrontation and declared the victory of the man from Pará.

UFC Norfolk results

MAIN CARD

Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): Deiveson Figueiredo derrotou Joseph Benavidez by knockout at 1m54s of R2- fight for the belt*

Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Felicia spencer defeated Zarah Fairn dos Santos by knockout at 3:37 of R1

Light heavyweight (up to 93kg): Magomed Ankalayev derrotou Ion cutelaba by knockout 38s into R1

Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Megan anderson derrotou Norm Dumont by knockout at 3m31s of R1

Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Grant dawson defeated Darrick Minner via submission at 1m38 of R2

PRELIMINARY CARD

Bantam weight (up to 61,2kg): Kyler Phillips derrotou Gabriel silva in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27,30-27, 30-27)

Average weight (up to 83,9kg): Brendan allen derrotou Tom Breese by knockout at 4m47s of R1

Heavy weight (up to 120,2kg): Marcin tybura derrotou Serghei Spivac in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Light weight (up to 70,3kg.): Luis Peña derrotou Steve Garcia in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Jordan Griffin derrotou TJ Brown via submission 3m38s into R2

Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Spike Carlyle defeated Aalon Cruz by knockout at 1m25s of R1

Welterweight (up to 77kg): Sean brady defeated Ismail Naurdiev via unanimous decision (29-28,29-28,30-27)

*Due to the failure to cut the weight of Deiveson Figueiredo, the title will only be valid in case of victory of Joseph Benavidez.