After calling for the UFC to hang onto the flyweight division following his most recent win, Joseph Benavidez has been booked against Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 233.
Despite the uncertainly around the future of the UFC’s flyweight division, UFC 233 is getting a second 125lb fight. In addition to the headliner of bantamweight champ T.J. Dillashaw dropping to challenge flyweight title holder Henry Cejudo, a second flyweight bout is on the docket. In that, Joseph Benavidez, fresh off a win at the TUF 28 Finale on November 30, will face Deiveson Figueiredo.
The UFC announced the fight on social media on Tuesday.
More flyweights head to Cali! @JoeJitsu steps right back in the Octagon against @DeivesonDaico at #UFC233 in Anaheim! pic.twitter.com/sL3I150SrM
— UFC (@ufc) December 4, 2018
Benavidez (26-5) has long been considered one of the top flyweights, with bumps in the road against only Demetrious Johnson and Sergio Pettis since a 2010 loss to Dominick Cruz back in the WEC promotion. Benavidez holds a win over Cejudo in December 2016, making a rematch between the two compelling viewing should he come out on top at UFC 233.
Deiveson Figueiredo (15-0) is perfect in his career, and now holds four wins under the UFC banner. Three of those four wins have come by way of stoppage. The most recent was a TKO of John Moraga, at UFC Lincoln in August.
UFC 233 takes place January 26 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. While the going logic has been that the UFC is doing away with the flyweight division, no official announcement has been made.
