Deiveson Figueiredo was hoping to win the vacant UFC Flyweight title on Saturday against Joseph Benavidez, but the fighter has missed weight.
Figueiredo was set to take on Joseph Benavidez for the vacant Flyweight belt in the main event of UFC Norfolk. Unfortunately, on Friday morning, the Brazilian fighter missed weight by 2.5 lbs. Although he was granted an extra 1 hour to cut the remaining weight, the fighter chose not to do it and relinquish 30% of his purse to Benavidez. The fight is still going to happen, but it means that Benavidez will be the only one who is eligible to win the Flyweight strap on Saturday night.
After missing weight, Deiveson Figueiredo’s manager Wallid Ismail gave a statement to BJEPNN.com as to what happened.
Figueiredo’s manager says the Brazilian fighter was advised by doctors to not continue to cut the weight. He also issued an apology to Benavidez and the UFC for his fighter missing weight, but still promises a great contest on Saturday.
“Stuff happens. He described to his doctor what he was feeling and his doctor told him to be careful and not cut any more weight. He felt a bad cramp and was nauseous. It was that. His doctor advised him to stop the weight cut,” Ismail said to BJPENN.com. “Now, he knows he needs to give the fans a great show for this fight. He promised the fans a big fight and this is what he is going to do tomorrow. There will be blood and it still will be a war. He wants to say thank you to Benavidez for still taking the fight and sorry to the fans and to the UFC for missing weight. It was a medical issue. He’s never missed weight in his entire career before this and he apologizes.”
It’s worth noting that this is the first time Deiveson Figueiredo has missed weight in his entire professional MMA career. As his manager points out, it could not have happened at a worse time.
This article first appeared on CLOSEDGUARDMEDIA.com on 28th February, 2020.
Discussion about this post