Tonight in the main event of UFC 255, the men’s flyweight title was on the line. Deiveson Figueiredo (19-1) was looking to defend his title for the first time against contender series veteran, Alex Perez (24-5).
Originally, Figueiredo was supposed to face former UFC bantamweight champion, Cody Garbrandt, in tonight’s main event. However, an injury to Garbrandt gave Perez the opportunity of a lifetime at championship gold.
Since fighting in the contender series a few years ago, Perez has only lost once in seven appearances in the UFC. He came into tonight on a three fight winning streak including an impressive TKO over Jussier Formiga in his last fight.
However, he had a tall order tonight in the flyweight champion. Figueiredo is an absolute monster and he’s really shown that in his last couple of wins. Figueiredo finished Joseph Benavidez twice in a row to capture UFC gold. He has all the makings of someone who can reign for a long time.
UFC 255 Recap: Figueiredo – Perez
Round 1
As the main event of UFC 255 got underway, Perez immediately opened with a big kick that missed. Figueiredo then landed a big power body kick to start the striking. Perez pushed forward with a combination but wasn’t able to land anything.
Figueiredo then landed a couple of additional big kicks. Perez shot in for a takedown and was working really hard to land it. Perez had Figueiredo’s legs high up in the air but then Figueiredo rolled for a leg lock.
Figueiredo couldn’t lock it in, and Perez ended up on top. However, he went right into a guillotine choke. It’s tight, but Perez comes close to getting out. Figueiredo locks it up even tighter and Perez is forced to tap.
Deiveson Figueiredo def. Alex Perez by Submission (Guillotine Choke) – Round 1