It’s fair to say Deiveson Figueiredo is not a fan of the upcoming interim flyweight title fight.
Figueiredo became a two-time flyweight champion after reclaiming his belt from Brandon Moreno at UFC 270 back in January.
Given the close nature of the battle which went to a decision as well as the score now being 1-1-1, a fourth fight was expected between the pair.
However, Moreno is now set to fight Kai Kara-France for the interim flyweight title at the upcoming UFC 277 pay-per-view event taking place July 30.
That’s something that upset Figueiredo as he claims to have sent exams to the UFC proving that he had an injury which is why he couldn’t fight Moreno a fourth time right away.
However, he believes the UFC never received those documents and with no supposed word from Figueiredo, the promotion decided to go ahead with an interim title fight.
“I’m very upset, and I’ll send the UFC all the exams I have that prove my injury, because I’ve heard that they haven’t received these documents,” Figueiredo told MMA Fighting. “… Of course that’s what happened, man. I think there was some miscommunication, the UFC was supposed to get these documents that prove my injury, but, from what I’ve heard, the UFC hasn’t received it. They could’ve reached out to me to know if I was ok instead of booking a fight for an interim belt.
“That was bullsh*t. I’ve saved a main event in the UFC, doing the quickest turnaround in the history of the UFC as a champion, and now I’m getting ripped off. The belt is mine. There’s no other belt, except for this plastic belt, this joke they’re doing between Brandon Moreno and Kai Kara-France.”
Deiveson Figueiredo Considering Move Up To Bantamweight
Don’t think Figueiredo is that upset?
The Brazilian is so slighted by the Las Vegas promotion’s move that he is now strongly considering moving up to bantamweight — something he was already planning prior.
The only way to keep him in the flyweight division? Pay up.
“I don’t rule out this option. It’s up to the UFC,” Figueiredo added. “If we have a chat and they can increase my earnings inside the organization, then I’ll stay in the division. But, if nothing happens, I’ll be forced to move up. I’ll stay in the flyweight [division] if they increase my purse.
“I already wanted [to move up] but still wanted to fight three more fights in the division. With this decision [to create an interim title], they’ve made my decision to go up sooner 95 percent more likely.”
It will be interesting to see what developments occur in the near future.
It must be said though — Figueiredo in the stacked bantamweight division without a strenuous weight cut is certainly an exciting prospect.