Francisco Figueiredo, brother of champ Deiveson, set for UFC debut vs. Jerome Rivera

MMA News

Francisco Figueiredo, brother of champ Deiveson, set for UFC debut vs. Jerome Rivera

Deiveson Figueiredo is no longer the only one bearing his surname in the UFC.

Figueiredo’s younger brother, Francisco Figueiredo has signed with the promotion and has his first UFC fight set. He will make his debut Wednesday, Jan. 20, against Dana White’s Contender Series alum Jerome Rivera at flyweight.

The UFC has yet to reveal the event’s location, though it is expected to take place as part of the third “Fight Island” stint on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

A person with knowledge of the matchup confirmed the booking with MMA Junkie on Thursday, but asked to remain anonymous since the promotion has yet to make an official announcement. The matchup first was reported by Combate.

Figueiredo (11-3-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) has gone 2-0-1 over the course of his most recent three fights. Out of 11 professional victories, Figueiredo has finishes in 10. He most recently competed for Jungle Fight in September 2019.

Rivera (10-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC) was scheduled to fight Ode Osbourne on Jan. 30. It is unclear why that fight fell apart. Rivera made his short-notice debut at UFC Fight Night 178 in September. He was knocked out by Tyson Nam in Round 2.

With the addition, the Jan. 20 lineup includes:

  • Douglas Silva de Andrade vs. Lerone Murphy
  • Francisco Figueiredo vs. Jerome Rivera

Francisco Figueiredo, brother of champ Deiveson, set for UFC debut vs. Jerome Rivera