UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo is so frustrated with the promotion over it’s decision to hold an interim title fight at 125lb between Brandon Moreno and Kai Kara-France that he’s now mulling over a potential move to bantamweight.
It was only back in January that Figueiredo beat Moreno in their trilogy encounter to reclaim the belt, but then a hand injury ruled out a potential fourth encounter between the two, and the UFC wasted no time in opting for an interim title bout instead.
“I was upset because I didn’t expect that from the UFC,” Figueiredo told AG Fight. “A few months ago, I had the last fight and the UFC already has an interim belt? I’m in disbelief. … I’ve always provided great shows for the UFC and I feel undervalued because of this interim belt. I’ll even use a phrase from Charles (Oliveira): ‘The champion has a name, and his name is Deiveson Figueiredo.’ This plastic belt is meaningless.”
And it seems that Figueiredo is so disillusioned by the UFC’s decision that he’s even considering abandoning the 125lb division in favor of a move up to 135lbs.
“I am very disappointed. I confess I seriously am thinking about leaving the division. Henry Cejudo and I saved this division, and after this move by the UFC, I’m honestly about to make decisions. I hope I don’t take them, but if I do, I’ll leave the division and go up to bantamweight.
“Always before making decisions, I like to reflect so as not to make mistakes. Let that interim belt roll; I’ll be there. The champion is called Deiveson. I’ll be there to see this little facade. I still have a lot to talk about, if possible in person with Dana White. I want to talk to them in the United States. I will also meet with Henry Cejudo and Eric Albarracin to see what to do.”
