J. Benavidez (left) and D. Figueiredo (right) face each other before the UFC Norfolk. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc_brasil
The undisputed victory of Deiveson Figueiredo about Joseph Benavidez last Saturday (29), at UFC Norfolk, ended up causing a controversy within Ultimate. After failing to make the category's official weight for the title fight, the Brazilian was unable to take the belt home, as he did not fulfill his commitment to the organization. The company's president, Dana White, however, confirmed that there will be a new meeting between the two combatants, judging that the fight, which ended in a knockout for the man from Pará, was balanced. The statement was made in an interview with journalists at an event to promote the UFC 248.
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“That was an incredible fight. I think the headbutt (from Deiveson) influenced the knockout, without taking away his merits. I think we have to do that fight again”, confirmed Dana.
To justify the decision, the 'big boss' made a point of praising Benavidez, who agreed to face the Brazilian even after knowing that the man from Pará would move up to the heavier octagon. The president also praised the performance of the American, who put pressure on Figueiredo in part of the first round, but ended up being dominated in the second round until being knocked out by Deiveson.
“Firstly, he (Deiveson) didn’t make weight and Joe (Joseph) faced him. He got a headbutt. Lots of controversial things in the fight. It was an incredible clash. The two went to fight. You know how I feel about not making weight. Let's do this again. The dispute deserves it”, said White.
While Ultimate has not confirmed the date and location for the new meeting between the flyweights, the category continues without an official champion. The division has not had a champion since Henry Cejudo he was dethroned after choosing to act only among bantamweights (up to 61,2kg), where he is also number one.
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