LAS VEGAS – Devision Figueiredo sure thought he deserved a “Performance of the Night” bonus after submitting Alex Perez in under two minutes on Saturday in the main event of UFC 255.
So when UFC president Dana White said he wanted Figueiredo (24-6 MMA, 6-2 UFC) to stick around in Vegas and fight Brandon Moreno in December, he wasn’t enthused about the idea.
“He was real disappointed when he didn’t get the bonus of the night because of the performance that he gave for the fans,” said Figueiredo’s trainer, Wallid Ismail. “And I pushed him to stay here and not come back to Brazil, because Dec. 12 is now. But I’m going to talk to Dana and Hunter (Campbell) and I’m going to push him to stay because it’s good for the fight, it’s good for the sport to show his power.”
Indeed, once he wrapped his brain around the concept, Figueiredo said he’s ready to prove something against the top contender, who beat Brandon Royval earlier in the evening.
“I think I’m going to destroy him. I think I’m going to break him just as much, because Brandon Moreno talk a lot of bad things,” Figueiredo said through interpreter Ismail. “(He has) a personal problem with Brandon Moreno. I’m going to destroy Brandon Moreno. But the boss shows the desire to see this fight.”
Figueiredo, while still sore about not getting a bonus, says he’s not worried about making the flyweight limit again on short notice.
“The pressure I’m going to have (to make) weight he’s going to have,” he said. “We’re in the same spot. It’s a war for both sides. If I’m going to have the pressure, he’s going to have the pressure. But now I’m going back to the hotel, because I put on a wonderful show for you guys tonight. I’m the kind of champion who says what I’m going to do and then do it. And I don’t get the bonus of the night? I said, ‘Hey, Dana, if you really like me, and I fight here, you need to give me the bonus of the night for sure.’ Because I deserve it. I performed. I bring back excitement.”
For now, Figueiredo is content with his first title defense, one which may be the first of many.
“I’m very patient,” he said. “I know this is my belt. I know I am going to be the champion for a long time. I have no pressure at all. I come here to do what I told everyone I am going to do: (I’m) going to submit in the first round.”
Deiveson Figueiredo angry about bonus snub, but vows to ‘destroy’ Brandon Moreno
