“Deiveson Figueiredo: Sean O’Malley ‘has something to worry about now’”
Deiveson Figueiredo, the former UFC flyweight champion, has set his sights on UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley. This rivalry escalated after O’Malley gave Figueiredo’s bantamweight debut a less-than-stellar rating of three out of 10 on social media. Figueiredo wasted no time in responding to O’Malley’s critique during an interview on The MMA Hour.
In his characteristic style, Figueiredo declared, “I think that he has something to worry about. I’m the original. And if he’s the virus, I’m the antivirus to him.” This metaphorical clash of titans between Figueiredo and O’Malley has captured the imagination of fight fans.
O’Malley’s first title defense is scheduled for UFC 299 on March 9, and Figueiredo believes that “one more fight should put me in line for the title.” However, he’s not fixated solely on the championship bout. Figueiredo expressed his willingness to face the winner of the O’Malley vs. Marlon Vera fight if the opportunity arises.
With confidence in his rising profile, Figueiredo stated, “I think I have a big name coming into the division. I’m a two-time former champion. My last fight at 125 pounds against Brandon Moreno, I had not had a good camp, and now I am great. I feel that could be a possibility. However, I will patiently await what the UFC has in mind for me.”
If an immediate title shot doesn’t materialize, Figueiredo mentioned Petr Yan as “a great name” and “a great fight” for his next challenge in the division. Unfortunately, Yan is already booked to face Song Yadong at UFC 299. Figueiredo has put his fate in the hands of the UFC and its matchmakers, saying, “I’m ready for whoever they wanna put me against. The first name to come to my mind would be Sean O’Malley, so besides him, whoever they put against me.”
What remains consistent for Figueiredo is his partnership with former two-division UFC champion and current bantamweight contender, Henry Cejudo, who continues to be his coach. Figueiredo spoke highly of Cejudo, praising his strategies and expressing his comfort with the team. The stage is set, and the bantamweight division is buzzing with anticipation as Deiveson Figueiredo eyes his next challenge, be it Sean O’Malley or another formidable opponent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about MMA Rivalry
Q: What led to the rivalry between Deiveson Figueiredo and Sean O’Malley?
A: The rivalry between Deiveson Figueiredo and Sean O’Malley escalated when O’Malley criticized Figueiredo’s bantamweight debut, rating it three out of 10 on social media. Figueiredo responded, asserting his position as the original fighter and calling himself the antivirus to O’Malley’s virus.
Q: When is Sean O’Malley’s first title defense, and what are Figueiredo’s plans in the bantamweight division?
A: Sean O’Malley’s first title defense is set for UFC 299 on March 9. Figueiredo believes that one more fight should earn him a title shot, but he’s also open to facing the winner of O’Malley vs. Marlon Vera. He’s confident in his rising profile in the division.
Q: Who does Figueiredo consider as a potential opponent if he doesn’t get an immediate title shot?
A: If an immediate title shot doesn’t materialize, Figueiredo sees Petr Yan as a great name and a great fight for his next challenge in the bantamweight division. However, Yan is already booked to face Song Yadong at UFC 299.
Q: Who continues to be Deiveson Figueiredo’s coach and what does he think of him?
A: Deiveson Figueiredo’s coach is former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo, who is also a bantamweight contender. Figueiredo speaks highly of Cejudo, praising his strategies and expressing comfort with the coaching team.
More about MMA Rivalry
- Deiveson Figueiredo Responds to Sean O’Malley’s Critique
- UFC 299: Sean O’Malley’s First Title Defense
- Petr Yan’s Fight Against Song Yadong at UFC 299
- Henry Cejudo Continues as Deiveson Figueiredo’s Coach
