Just over a week until his trilogy against Brandon Moreno, Deiveson Figueiredo It's just trust. Willing to regain the flyweight belt (up to 56,7kg.) in UFC 270, which takes place on January 22, the Brazilian opened up about his motivation for the duel. In an exclusive chat with SUPER LUTAS YouTube channel, the 'God of War' highlighted training with Henry Cejudo and has no doubt that he will resume the group's throne.
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One of the biggest highlights of Ultimate in 2020, Deiveson ended up not repeating the success of that season in 2021. In the rematch against Brandon Moreno, in June, the athlete was finalized, but, according to the man from Pará, it is water under the bridge.
Workouts with Cejudo
To evolve even further in MMA, Figueiredo forgot an old rivalry with Henry Cejudo and settled in the United States to train with the organization's former double champion. Grateful, the Brazilian did not hide his admiration for the 'Triple C'.
“Today, I have great affection for Henry. The gym, him, Eric Albarracin embraced me. (…) I even want to stay here (in the United States). To make a living from the fight, I have to be focused. (…) Cejudo is a very intelligent guy. It's no wonder he's considered one of the most strategic guys in the UFC. It's a total pleasure, even more learning, he trains me every day. It’s a dream that’s being realized,” he said.
Moreno's 'Betrayal'
Focused on returning the defeat suffered to Brandon Moreno in 2021, Deiveson spoke about an alleged 'betrayal' by the current flyweight champion with Henry Cejudo. For the Brazilian, history fuels the motivation to overcome the Mexican.
“The 'Crying Baby' (Moreno) came to live with the Henry Cejudo, brought the family. A time came and he (Moreno) traveled to California, if I'm not mistaken, to help (Joseph) Benavidez fight the Henry Cejudo (in 2016). He never came back. Henry already said: 'I want you to rip this guy's head off'. Mission given is mission accomplished”, he assured.
Faults fixed
Preparing with Cejudo gave Deiveson a new perspective on his style. The Brazilian, therefore, spoke about corrections and adaptations for the evolution of his techniques.
“Especially takedown defenses (have been fixed). My first defeat in the UFC I lost by being put down. (…) I've been training takedown blocking, defense and, arriving here at Henry Cejudo, is home to wrestlers. (…) Blocking falls, how to fall and get up, making me a more explosive guy. That point of being put down, I’m going to be really strong,” she said.
Errors for UFC 263
Dethroned in June last season, Figueiredo opened up about the mistakes that influenced his defeat to Moreno. At the UFC 263, the Brazilian ended up submitted and losing the group belt.
“In my opinion, I didn't make mistakes on the day of the fight, but rather before. There was the issue of my company, the weight. I arrived weighing 66kg. In the event. It's a lot of weight to take off. I already started making mistakes there. When the day of the weigh-in arrived, I was about to lose weight. It was sold out. It was too difficult. I arrived mentally exhausted on the day of the fight. Not today. I can already see myself inside the octagon, seeing Moreno. Now, it's the two of us. Let’s sort out our prose,” he stated.
Fight scenario
In a new scenario, Figueiredo opens up about how he imagines the trilogy playing out. For Deiveson, there is no chance of defeat.
“I imagine putting it down and hitting it a lot. This happened in the second fight, but I didn't do anything, I just blocked it. I tried to go for a guillotine and he defended very well. I ended up turning my back on him twice and the second time he submitted me. (…) I trained a lot in defense from the back, mount, exit”, he concluded.
Athletes' history
No UFC 270, Deiveson will reach the mark of 24 fights as a professional in MMA. Flyweight champion in 2020, the 34-year-old Brazilian has 20 wins, two defeats and one draw.
Group leader up to 56,7kg., Brandon Moreno tries to succeed in his first title defense. The 28-year-old Mexican arrives for the clash with a record of 19 wins, five setbacks and two draws.
