Kicking off the biggest fight card in Ultimate Fighting Championship history, UFC 300, former champions Deiveson Figueiredo and Cody Garbrandt stepped inside the Octagon on Saturday night for a high-stakes bantamweight clash.
After establishing himself as one of the best flyweights of all time, Figueiredo made the move to 135 last year, earning a win over Rob Font. Standing in his way of a second-straight win at bantamweight was Garbrandt, a former division champion determined to work his way back toward the division’s coveted crown.
Round 1
Garbrandt comes out attacking the lead leg of Figueiredo early. It isn’t until 45 seconds into the round that Figueiredo offers his first strike, a right hand that Garbrandt blocks. Figueiredo goes low with a stiff calf kick. Garbrandt fires back with a kick of his own that Figueiredo fails to check. Garbrandt closes the distance and looks to level change, but Figueiredo responds with a well-timed knee up the middle.
Figueiredo unleashes a kick that partially connects with Garbrandt’s chin. Garbrandt goes back to attacking the leg as Figueiredo stalks forward. Figueiredo throws a front kick that Garbrandt blocks. Garbrandt throws a combination and briefly uses the entry to take Figueiredo to the ground, but the former flyweight gets back to his feet quickly. With a minute left in the round, Figueiredo has only landed three significant strikes.
Figueiredo lands a nice right hand that backs up Garbrandt. Figueiredo offers another front kick. Garbrandt again closes the distance, but Figueiredo briefly snatches the leg of his opponent and puts him on the mat. Garbrandt pops back up but eats a right hand just before the horn sounds.
Round 2
Garbrandt opens the second round with a high kick that misses the mark. Figueiredo rushes in and Garbrandt responds with a right hand. Figueiredo closes the distance and grabs a waistlock, dragging Garbrandt to the mat and getting into half-guard. Figueiredo looks for an arm triangle. Garbrandt defends but gives his back up in the process. Figueiredo gets the back mount, forcing Garbrandt to turn to his back. Figueiredo goes back to the arm triangle, cinching in the hold and putting the squeeze on the former bantamweight champ.
Garbrandt survives the hold, forcing Figueiredo to move back into the mount as a means of keeping his opponent on the canvas. With 90 seconds to go in the round, Figueiredo is sucking wind, but maintaining control. Garbrandt scrambles but gives up his back. Figueiredo slaps on the body triangle and sneaks his arm under Garbrandt’s neck, forcing ‘No Love’ to tap out with less than a minute to go in the round.
Official Result: Deiveson Figueiredo def. Cody Garbrandt via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:02 of Round 2.
Check Out Highlights From Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Cody Garbrandt at UFC 300:
Starting the night off right 💥@Daico_Deiveson gets the submission victory in round 2! #UFC300 pic.twitter.com/4UkMOgwvxX
— UFC (@ufc) April 13, 2024
