UFC 283 Co-Main Preview: Deiveson Figueiredo – Brandon Moreno 4

Jan 22, 2022; Anaheim, California, USA; Brandon Moreno (red gloves) competes against Deiveson Figueiredo (blue gloves) during UFC 270 at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Tomorrow night in the co-main event of UFC 283, we are going to witness promotional history. For the first time, two men will fight each other for a championship for the fourth time. Flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo (21-2-1) will meet interim champ Brandon Moreno (20-6-2).

Back in 2020, it appeared that no man would stand a chance at flyweight with Deiveson Figueiredo. Just weeks after his first title defense, he met Brandon Moreno for his second title defense at UFC 256. Moreno pushed Figueiredo to the absolute limit and the two men fought to a draw after Figueiredo had one point taken away.

They immediately ran things back six months later with Brandon Moreno submitting Figueiredo and becoming the first Mexican-born champion in UFC history. After the second fight in the summer of 2021, they scheduled the trilogy for last January.

The fight was very close, but in the end, Deiveson Figueiredo got his hand raised and took back the title. A hand injury kept Figueiredo out most of the year. In the meantime, Moreno fought Kai Kara-France for the interim title and won by third round TKO setting up the champion versus champion matchup at UFC 283.

UFC 283 Prediction

There’s not a ton to say in terms of breaking down this fight. We’ve seen this fight play out over the course of 13 rounds over the past couple of years. That said, I’ll give you all a little run down of what we will likely see play out at UFC 283.

For Moreno, it’s going to be about movement and getting in and out of the pocket on the feet. Figueiredo packs way more power in his hands, but he stands primarily flat footed. Moreno needs to show off his speed. Meanwhile, Figueiredo needs to land his big shots including his kicks.

We saw him drop Moreno multiple times in the third fight. i wouldn’t be shocked to see it happen again. One thing I was going to hedge my pick on was the weigh-in. Figueiredo has had a history of tough weight cuts. However, he looked sensational ahead of UFC 283.

Moreno had to switch camps in the middle of training due to the James Krause situation which I think might hinder him some. Ultimately, I see it being Deiveson Figueiredo’s night. Throughout the first three fights, I’ve maintained that he’s the slightly better fighter.

It’s as close as it gets, but I just think Figueiredo is the best flyweight in the UFC. I see another close one that goes to the judges, but in Brazil, Figueiredo retains his flyweight title.

Prediction: Deiveson Figueiredo by Decision