UFC president Dana White has confirmed the intention to book a Flyweight title rematch between Joseph Benavidez and Deiveson Figueiredo.
Figueiredo beat Benavidez via 2nd-round TKO in the main event of UFC Norfolk. Since Figueiredo missed weight, he was ineligible to win the vacant UFC Flyweight belt, leaving the division without an official title holder.
Speaking to the media, White said the UFC is looking to book a rematch between Benavidez and Figueiredo. According to White, both Figueiredo missing weight and an accidental clash of heads prior to the end of the fight are the reasons why the UFC want to run it back. Here’s what he said via Adam Hill.
“UFC president Dana White says he is leaning toward booking a Benavidez-Figueiredo rematch for the 125-pound title. Combination of Figueiredo missing weight and the clash of heads being a determining factor in the outcome”
This is good news, as it indicates that the UFC Flyweight division won’t be getting shut down, at least for the time being.
On the other hand, not everyone will be happy about seeing an immediate rematch for a fight that was mostly one-sided. While it is true that Figueiredo missed weight and there was an accidental clash of heads, Figueiredo still seemed to be the better fighter that night. Obviously, there is a chance that the rematch could turn out differently, but pundits will surely be looking at the outcome of the 1st fight to determine a clear favorite in Figueiredo.
There is currently no potential date or location set for the Benavidez vs. Figueiredo rematch. Following UFC Norfolk medical suspensions, it would make sense for it to take place this summer.
This article first appeared on CLOSEDGUARDMEDIA.com on 4th March, 2020.
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