The main event of UFC Norfolk will see Joseph Benavidez go against Deiveson Figueiredo for the vacant UFC Flyweight title.
Going into the fight, pundits have Benavidez as a slight favorite to beat the Brazilian fighter.
Prior to the event, BJPENN.com asked some MMA fighters for their predictions for this bout. Most of the pros are leaning towards Joseph Benavidez finally winning a UFC title, but they’re not sleeping on the always dangerous Deiveson Figueiredo.
Here’s what they had to say:
UFC Welterweight Gilbert Burns: “Deiveson Figueiredo. He’s special man, he’s a beast. I think he will get the job done and be the next Brazilian champion.”
UFC Flyweight Kai Kara-France: “It is a good matchup as Figueiredo is explosive and dangerous, but Benavidez has been fighting top guys for years and he has so much experience. I think he’ll be able to solve the puzzle and get a win. But, it will be an exciting fight, just like most of the flyweight fights.”
UFC Welterweight James Krause: “Joseph Benavidez all day. I think that is a great fight for him. He beat Cejudo and Joe is a very difficult matchup for a lot of people. He has a good pace, awkward angles, good wrestling, I think Joe will take that fight pretty handily.”
UFC Featherweight Steven Peterson: “I see Benavidez finally taking it home. He’s been in the top five for as long as I can remember. His losses in title fights have made him even better and now he’s finally ready to become UFC champion. Benavidez by fourth-round TKO.”
Bellator Lightweight Brent Primus: “Benavidez is a tough guy but Figueiredo is tough and has knockout power. I think he will win, his striking is top-notch.”
UFC Lightweight Jalin Turner: “I love Joseph Benavidez so I can’t go against him, but this is also a good style matchup for him and he will finally become a UFC champ.”
UFC Light-Heavyweight Devin Clark: “Benavidez is a guy that has always been the second-best guy behind Johnson. Benavidez should get it done and finally be a UFC champion.”
So the results are in. It’s 5-2 in favour of Benavidez according to these pros.
This article first appeared on CLOSEDGUARDMEDIA.com on 27th February, 2020.
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