After defeating Brandon
Moreno via unanimous decision to reclaim the flyweight crown in
their trilogy bout at UFC 270, Deiveson
Figueiredo was not happy the promotion decided to create an
interim belt some six months later.
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Moreno will face Kai Kara
France for interim gold at UFC 277
in Dallas on July 30. Figueiredo makes it clear that he will not
recognize the winner as a champion.
“I got really upset. I didn’t expect that from UFC,” Figueiredo
told Brazilian outlet
AgFight. “I just couldn’t believe when I heard that news. We
fought in January, and they know I have a hand injury. After that
decision I have to use Charles [Oliveira’s] words: The champion has
a name and it’s Deiveson Figueiredo.’ This plastic belt has no
value.”
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The disappointment with the UFC’s decision has Figueiredo
considering a move to the bantamweight division.
“I’m seriously thinking about abandoning that division. Myself and
Henry
Cejudo were the saviors of that division. After that decision
from UFC I’m thinking seriously about going up to 135 pounds.
Figueiredo also revealed that he is planning to go to Dallas before
UFC 277 to meet with promotion officials before making his
decision.
“I’m going to be at that fake party for the plastic belt and remind
them who is the real champion,” Figueiredo said. “Before I make my
final decision I want to talk to Dana White. I will also meet with
Henry Cejudo and Eric Albarracin to see what to do.