Like it or not, weight-cutting is deeply rooted in mixed martial arts. MMA adopted its weight-cutting from the sport of wrestling, where it is presumed to be very advantageous to be the biggest and strongest in your weight class. Known as the ‘fight before the fight,’ most UFC fighters cut anywhere from 5-25 pounds, with some fighters even in excess of 30 pounds.
Weight-cutting is the ultimate test of discipline and willpower. Many fighters in the sport consider it very unprofessional to miss weight. In this series, we will shine a light on fighters who cut a massive amount of weight, who have missed weight multiple times in the past, who have made weight-class changes, along with how the weight-cut and weigh-in could affect possible upcoming match-ups. Basically, every aspect of weight-cutting and how it affects the fight game.
Deiveson “Deus Da Guerra” Figueiredo (18-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC)
Flyweight (125lbs): 7-1 (UFC), Missed weight one time, UFC Flyweight Title Challenger
Deiveson has had a very impressive run in the UFC’s flyweight division. Figueiredo’s lone loss with the promotion and of his career came in March of 2019 against Jussier Formiga by unanimous decision.
Figueiredo missed weight in his last fight against Joseph Benavidez back in February of this year. Deiveson weighing in at 127.5lbs was especially tragic because he was attempting to compete for the UFC’s vacant flyweight title. And Deiveson was able to finish Benavidez, flattening him with a punch before brutally landing a few more blows before the fight was stopped in the second round. But because he had missed weight the day before he won the fight but was ineligible to receive the belt.
The men’s flyweight division isn’t exactly a fan favorite. Even though there is plenty of talent in the division, it doesn’t exactly attract the eyes of new fans or sell pay per view cards. The flyweight division had also looked for a long time like it was in jeopardy of being dissolved after the UFC cut multiple prospects and traded away long time champ, Demetrious Johnson. Though Dana White confirmed the flyweight division was here to stay last year, it definitely isn’t a good look for the winner of the title fight to miss weight and be denied a belt. For that reason, the UFC’s flyweight division has long been in jeopardy of being dissolved and having a title fight where one competitor can’t make the weight for it isn’t a good look. On July 18, Deiveson Figueiredo will run it back with Joesph Benavidez but hopefully this time, the belt will be on the line for both men.
Here's the full footage of Deiveson Figueiredo missing weight at today's official weigh-ins this morning. (shot by @jasonthehart)#UFC #UFCNorfolk #MMA pic.twitter.com/uZfS6J5JAP
— MMA On Point (@OnPointMMA) February 28, 2020
