Deiveson Figueiredo is close to his bantamweight debut. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Changing categories is a challenge for any MMA fighter, but for former MMA champions UFC, the pressure is even greater. They need to prove that they still have what it takes to shine in the octagon, facing high-level opponents and adapting to new weight and height realities. The next one to make a big challenge in his career is Deiveson Figueiredo.
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The Brazilian, who is a former flyweight champion (up to 56,7kg), makes his debut in bantamweight (up to 61,2kg) against Rob font No. ufc austin next Saturday (2/11).
In this special, the SUPER FIGHTS remembers the debuts of some former UFC champions in new categories and what the results were.
José Aldo
With seven successful title defenses, José Aldo became the greatest featherweight champion in history (65,7kg). In 2019, however, the man from Manaus decided to move down to bantamweight (61,2kg), in search of a new chance to win the belt.
His debut was against his compatriot Marlon moraes, in December 2019, in UFC 245. Aldo fought a balanced fight, but ended up losing by split decision from the judges, in a controversial result. Many analysts and fans considered that the former champion won the fight.
BY SPLIT DECISION!@MMARLONMORAES exceeds @josealdojunior in a real three-round war in #UFC245!
Subscribe to @canalCombate ➡ https://t.co/LR9etUMbyF pic.twitter.com/q1vRaDwFO2
- UFC Brazil (@UFCBrasil) December 15, 2019
Kamaru Usman
The most recent on the list is Kamaru Usman, which took on the responsibility of replacing Paulo borrachinha No. UFC 294 and faced the undefeated Khamzat Shimaev in his middleweight debut after losing the welterweight belt – and rematch – to Leon edwards.
The Nigerian, who had a remarkable season in the under-77kg division. He suffered in the first round, but showed balance throughout the fight, being defeated only by unanimous decision from the judges.
Khamzat Shimaev takes the majority decision!!
He leaves #UFC294 with the victory over Kamaru Usman at #UFC294 pic.twitter.com/EjxZT6XiBA
- UFC (@ufc) October 21, 2023
Jon Jones
Jon Jones He was the youngest champion in UFC history, winning the light heavyweight belt (93kg) at the age of 23. He defended the title eight times, until being removed due to problems outside the octagon. After returning and regaining the belt, Bones relinquished it in 2020, amid a salary dispute with the organization.
Jon announced his move up to heavyweight (120,2kg.), where he hoped to face the champion Francis Ngannou. However, the UFC did not accept his financial demands and escalated Cyryl Gane for the title fight. Jones then made his debut in the new category against the Frenchman in UFC 285, in March 2023. He used his size and movement to avoid Gane's blows and finish with a guillotine choke in the first round.
THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME IS NOW THE HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMP 🏆
JON-JONES SUBMITS CIRYL GANE!! #UFC285 pic.twitter.com/JOiAnweVJ5
- UFC (@ufc) March 5, 2023
B.J. Penn
One of the most brilliant and explosive fighters in the history of lightweight (up to 70,3kg.), B.J. Penn He also became welterweight champion (up to 77kg) in his heyday. However, after years of baggage and mileage, with three consecutive defeats, the Hawaiian decided to cut two categories to compete in the featherweight division (up to 65,7kg).
The experience was not good. Before Yair Rodriguez, the fighter ended up defeated by technical knockout in the second round. The duel took place in January 2017.
Legend time @bjpenndotcom enter the octagon #UFCPhoenix!!!! pic.twitter.com/VxWWTDeSz4
- UFC Brazil (@UFCBrasil) January 16, 2017
Frankie Edgar
Known for his determination, his resistance and his ability to recover from adverse situations, Frankie Edgar was the UFC lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg), having beaten names like B.J. Penn e Gray Maynard. He was, in fact, one of the most popular fighters among fans.
His featherweight debut (65,7kg.) was against José Aldo, in February 2013, at UFC 156. Edgar moved down a category after losing the lightweight belt to Benson Henderson and tried to win titles in two UFC divisions. However, he was unable to overcome the Brazilian and lost by unanimous decision.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1254426256373932032
Lyoto Machida
The first fighter to have a style based on karate, which earned him the nickname “The Dragon”, was Lyoto Machida. He was the UFC light heavyweight champion, being the first fighter to defeat legends like Rashad evans, Mauricio Shogun and Randy Couture. The Brazilian was famous for his impeccable defense and precise counterattacks.
Machida dropped down a category after alternating between victories and defeats, including a setback to Jon Jones. He impressed in his debut, knocking out Muñoz with a head kick in the first round.
Through the guard. 😳 Flashback to @LyotoMachidaFW's devastating head kick vs Muñoz. #UFCBelem pic.twitter.com/0Fntmn52d8
- UFC (@ufc) February 2, 2018
Other fighters who also followed similar paths were Mauricio Shogun, Miesha Tate, Jessica Stacker, Johnny Hendricks and Rose namajunas.
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