UFC 256 main event will feature the quickest title turnaround in history
Photo: UFC
On Dec. 12, history will be made in the UFC 256 title fight between Flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo and No. 1 contender Brandon Moreno.
Just a few days ago at UFC 255, Figueiredo defended his strap by finishing No. 4 Flyweight Alex Perez in the first round. His ability to make quick work and avoid damage aided him in his victory, a strength that was also noted by UFC President Dana White.
“We are going to keep (Figueiredo) here,” White said in the UFC 255 post-fight press conference. “We are going to turn him right around in December. That’s what we’re working on. He’s not going back to Brazil.”
This will set up the champ’s second title defense in just 21 days, making it the quickest title fight turnaround in UFC history.
Although the pair would have likely fought eventually, the quick turnaround in this case was an opportunity of circumstance.
UFC 256 was supposed to be headlined by Petr Yan and Aljamain Sterling for the Bantamweight title, but Yan pulled out for personal reasons. This left the UFC looking for a title fight to fill the Pay-Per-View main event.
Luckily, Figueiredo escaped UFC 255 with next to no damage, and White was able to slot him in.
It isn’t every day where UFC history can be made. Especially in the recent weeks, the UFC has faced many hurdles with cancellations, postponements and positive tests.
If this title fight comes to fruition, it is going to be a sight to behold. Even at 32-years-old Figueiredo still brings the fire, and has accumulated a 20-1 professional record. Although he has opened as a -290 favorite, this won’t be a walk in the park despite what he has claimed.
“I think I am going to destroy him,” Figueiredo said in the UFC 255 post-fight press conference. “I am going to break him. I am going to destroy Brandon Moreno in December.”
Moreno is 18-5-1 as a professional and fought on the UFC 255 preliminary card. Both fighters are coming off big wins and will turn it around quicker than anyone in UFC title fight history.
With COVID-19 still running rampant across the world and even more so in the United States, no fight is guaranteed until Bruce Buffer calls their names. Just this past weekend the Heavyweight bout between No. 2 Curtis Blaydes and No. 4 Derrick Lewis was called off one day before after Blaydes tested positive.
As of now, the Flyweight title will be on the line between Moreno and Figueiredo on Saturday, December 12 at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas. Fans can watch on ESPN PPV at 10 p.m. EST.