Following UFC 320, Deiveson Figueiredo believes he has the solution to a widely discussed question regarding Merab Dvalishvili.
UFC 320, held last Saturday, further solidified Merab Dvalishvili`s ascent as a dominant force in the bantamweight division (135 pounds).
In the co-main event, Dvalishvili secured his third consecutive bantamweight title defense by defeating Cory Sandhagen. He is now just one defense shy of surpassing his teammate Aljamain Sterling`s record for successive title retentions.
Among the contenders aiming to prevent `The Machine` from setting this new record is a former two-time flyweight champion, who harbors aspirations of achieving multi-weight success in the pinnacle of MMA.
Deiveson Figueiredo Outlines Strategy to Defeat Merab Dvalishvili Following UFC Rio Win
After Dvalishvili`s submission victory over Sean O’Malley at UFC 316 last June, commentator Joe Rogan pondered how any fighter could realistically unseat the formidable Georgian champion.
“What’s the approach?” Rogan questioned regarding how to defeat Dvalishvili. “You’ll eventually fatigue. Unless you’re truly exceptional… everyone gets tired except him. It’s incredible. He attributes it to sheer hard work, but is it just that? It is, yet what intensity of hard work? How many hours? The fundamental question remains: is there even a viable gameplan?”
Figueiredo recently addressed this query in an interview with MMA Fighting, prior to his co-headlining bout at Saturday’s UFC Rio event. Following his victory over Montel Jackson, `Deus da Guerra` plans to challenge Dvalishvili, confident that he possesses the key to overcoming `The Machine`.
“I will certainly pursue a title shot—primarily because, among the top contenders in the division, I am the sole fighter yet to face Merab,” Figueiredo stated. “I am hopeful for that chance. Should I step into the octagon and deliver an outstanding performance, that could secure me a title opportunity. That is my objective.”
“The crucial element [to defeating Dvalishvili] is to avoid timidity,” he elaborated. “Be authentic and force him to retreat, understand? Make him feel your presence, make him recognize that he’s facing an opponent capable of inflicting damage.”
Deiveson Figueiredo Faces Competition for Next Title Shot Against Merab Dvalishvili
Figueiredo is not alone in the bantamweight division in his confidence to secure the next championship bout.
Immediately after his recent win at UFC 320, Dvalishvili mentioned Yan, and the Russian has since expressed enthusiasm for a rematch with the Georgian, hoping to redeem his subpar showing from their 2023 main event.
Concurrently, Mario Bautista asserts his claim for the next title shot, provided he defeats Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 321.
“I believe it’s imperative,” Bautista declared on MMA Junkie Radio when queried about whether another victory would warrant a title shot. “Considering my trajectory, it would be nine consecutive wins. Achieving this victory, coupled with my last three performances against (Jose) Aldo, Patchy (Mix), and then Umar—a nine-fight winning streak—I can’t conceive of what more one could do,” he elaborated. “I believe this mirrors Merab’s path; he truly had to contend for his title opportunity. Hopefully, he acknowledges this and extends me a similar courtesy, and we can determine a suitable arrangement.”
