Deiveson Figueiredo made the move to 135lbs at UFC Austin on Saturday, making his debut as a bantamweight against the tried-and-tested Rob Font.
Figueiredo, a former, two-time UFC flyweight champion, was looking to start a new chapter in his career with the move— with the possibility of another title run no doubt tantalizing.
Early on, Figueiredo’s strength at 135lbs was tested, with Font clinching up with him. Moments later, Figueiredo landed a takedown, but Font quickly elevated Deivson off him, and scrambled back up.
From there, the round played out on the feet, with Font ripping the body, and Figueiredo answering back. With about a minute to go, Figueiredo appeared to hurt Font, who backed up to the fence, bounced off it, then pressed forward once more. Figueiredo then drove Font into the fence in a clinch, only to be pushed off.
Round two played out on the feet, with Deiveson Figueiredo still holding his own at the higher weight. Font seemed to be no worse for the wear from being hurt towards the end of the first, but with about two minutes to go in the round, the Brazilian changed things up and landed a takedown. Figueiredo spent a bit of time on top before Font was able to escape, and in a close round, that might have been enough to sway the judges.
Round three saw Rob Font tie up with Deiveson Figueiredo early, but the ex-champ was able to fight him off. That led to Font once again trying to walk Figueiredo down, an approach that had not given the New England Cartel fighter a clear edge through the first two rounds. Moments later, Figueiredo rocked Font, who stumbled back, allowing Figueiredo land landed another powerful shot. Blood was in the water, and Figueiredo looked to pick his shots — a wise move, since Font then began firing back at a high clip. But when that volley subsided, Figueiredo landed a takedown with apparent ease, reaching for a leg and dumping Font.
With Font already down in the round, on his back was not where he wanted to be. He could not escape out from under the former flyweight, however, with Deiveson Figuiredo riding out the round on top, save for the final few seconds.
