Deiveson Figueiredo Sought Flyweight Title Fight
The 38-year-old fighter intends to drop back down to the 125-pound division to challenge champion Joshua Van.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
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Deiveson Figueiredo has announced his intention to return to the flyweight division to face current champion Joshua Van. The 38-year-old fighter aims to test his boxing skills against the titleholder following Van's recent victory.
Why it matters
The proposed matchup stems from Figueiredo's desire to challenge Joshua Van, who recently earned the title by defeating Alexandre Pantoja. Figueiredo believes a transition back to the 125-pound class would provide an opportunity to showcase his striking abilities.
Joshua Van secured his championship status with judge scorecards of 49-46, 48-47, and 50-45 against Alexandre Pantoja. Deiveson Figueiredo, now 38, aims to compete again at the 125-pound limit.
The players
Deiveson Figueiredo
He is a professional mixed martial artist known for his tenure in the UFC flyweight and bantamweight divisions.
Joshua Van
He is a professional mixed martial artist who currently holds the flyweight championship title.
Alexandre Pantoja
He is a professional mixed martial artist who recently faced Joshua Van in a title bout.
The details
Figueiredo claimed that Alexandre Pantoja failed to utilize enough grappling during his recent loss to Van at UFC 331. The veteran fighter expressed confidence in his own boxing technique and plans to pursue a knockout victory if given the chance to fight for the belt.
Timeline
UFC 331 took place in September 2026.
UFC 332 is scheduled for October 3, 2026.
Season Trajectory
Figueiredo's move creates a significant shift in the flyweight title picture following the results of the UFC 331 event. This potential challenge directly impacts the current championship hierarchy and the immediate roadmap for the 125-pound division.
Figueiredo's planned weight class shift directly impacts the competitive landscape and potential future main event bookings at 125 pounds. A successful transition would force a recalibration of current divisional rankings and upcoming title defense schedules.
The takeaway
Figueiredo is leveraging his veteran experience to lobby for a title opportunity against a newly crowned champion. His shift demonstrates the ongoing fluidity of weight classes in professional fighting as athletes chase championship bouts.
Further reading
For more on the current state of the 125-pound rankings, visit the Mixed Martial Arts section.
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