Sign up for ESPN+ right here, and you can then stream the UFC live on your smart TV, computer, phone, tablet or streaming device via the ESPN app. The vacant Ultimate Fighting Championship flyweight throne will be up for grabs this summer.
According to a report from MMA Junkie on Friday, the UFC is putting together a flyweight rematch for the title that has no owner. Deiveson Figueiredo (18-1) will be squaring off once again with Joseph Benavidez (28-6), and they are expected to face one another on July 18. There is no location or venue for this card, or any specificity on whether it is a Fight Night card or a pay-per-view.
The two first came to blows at UFC Fight Night 169 in February, and Figueiredo emerged victorious via second-round knockout. The bout itself was marred in controversy, as the two clashed heads to open up a massive cut on Benavidez’ forehead, and the stoppage came shortly thereafter. Additionally, Figueiredo missed weight, eliminating his ability to take home the gold, so the title was left vacant after his win.
Figueiredo has won his last three fights, including a decision over Alexandre Pantoja and an early tapout of Tim Elliott. Before this three-fight streak, “Deus da Guerra” suffered the only loss of his career when he dropped a unanimous verdict to Jussier Formiga in March 2019. The flyweight from Brazil has amassed an 83 percent finish rate throughout his career, with exactly half his wins coming by knockout.
The defeat for Benavidez snapped a three-bout win streak, where he recorded a knockout over Alex Perez, a decision over Dustin Ortiz and a knockout against the aforementioned Formiga. Before he suffered a knockout at the hands of Figueiredo, the Team Alpha Male mainstay went 9-1 across 10 fights, and even took a narrow split decision against future champ Henry Cejudo.
The unnamed UFC event is reported to take place on July 18, and no venue or location has been determined. No other fights have been booked for this event yet, and it is unclear whether this title fight will serve as the headliner.