Deiveson Figueiredo’s year didn’t start the way he had hoped.
Paired with Joseph Benavidez in a battle for the vacant flyweight title on February 29 in Norfolk, Virginia, the Brazilian contender lost his opportunity to claim UFC gold on this year’s extra day when he failed to make championship weight the morning prior to the contest.
Once they hit the cage, the bout ended in controversy, as an accidental clash of heads opened a huge gash in Benavidez’ hairline, and his fussing with the blood streaming down the side of his face created an opportunity to Figueiredo to drive home a powerful right hand that put him on the deck and signaled the start of the finishing sequence.