Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at Brazilan flyweight Deiveson Figueiredo as he makes his UFC debut against Mexican Marco Beltran at UFC 212 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Deiveson Figueiredo
Hometown: Marajo, Brazil
Age: 29
Height: 5-foot-5
Reach: NA
Weight Class: Flyweight
Camp: Marajo Brothers
Career Record: 11-0
Key Wins: None
Key Losses: None
Background A distant cousin of UFC bantamweight Iuri Alcantara, Figureiredo has started his MMA career with 11 straight victories. The Jungle Fights veteran is a proven finisher, with 10 of his 11 wins inside the distance.
Strengths
- Well-rounded fighter
- Aggressive striker
- Big power for the weight class
- Solid offensive wrestler
- Heavy ground-and-pound
Weaknesses
- Leg kicks can be caught too easily and opponents can gain top position
- Keeps his hands too low
- Chin is a concern
- Does a poor job checking leg kicks
Fighter Grade
Offensive Striking: C
Striking Defense: D
Knockout Power: C+
Athleticism / Speed: C-
Footwork: D+
Chin: D+
Offensive Wrestling: C-
Takedown Defense: D+
Submissions: C-
Conditioning: C-
Intangibles: D+
Overall Grade: D+ Matchup with Marco Beltran Figueiredo will makes his UFC debut at UFC 212 when he takes on Mexico’s Marco Beltran. Both fighters are big for the division and will be cutting significant weight for this fight, but not sure that becomes a factor in this fight. Beltran is a decent striker, but he requires distance to be effective. Figueiredo is a much more well-rounded fighter that has a real advantage in the grappling. Beltran’s takedown defense is a glaring hole, and I expect Figueiredo to mix in some takedowns. From there, he can either work in ground-and-pound or look to secure a submission. The Brazilian has won five of his 11 fights by submission, so that is a real possibility. Look for him to earn a win in his UFC debut on the back of a strong grappling performance. However, if he’s unable to earn a quick win, he could be in some trouble, as he’s only been to the third round once.
UFC Ceiling Figueiredo is an undefeated fighter out of Brazil with some promise. He has real power in his hands and an offensive grappling game that will be tough for fighters in the lower part of the division to deal with. Figueiredo is vulnerable to accurate, technical strikers who will be able to take advantage of his porous striking defense. Overall, he’s an entertaining fighter that is capable of earning a few wins in the UFC, but it’s tough to assess his ability beyond that, as he’s unproven against quality competition.
Fight Film Check out Figueiredo in some of his most recent fights…
Figueiredo vs. Denis Fontes
Figueiredo vs. Antonio Henrique
