Former UFC Champion Moving Down In Weight To Challenge For His Old Belt

Deiveson Figueiredo has a tough test ahead of him on Saturday when he faces rising bantamweight star Payton Talbott. While Figueiredo has been working to get himself prepared to face the dynamic American, Figueiredo is already talking about the fight he wants next. After watching Joshua Van dismantle Alexandre Pantoja in their rematch at UFC 331 in September, Figueiredo seems motivated to move back down to 125 pounds to try to regain the title he once held. Let's talk MMA.

Deiveson Figueiredo Next Fight Key Facts

Deiveson Figueiredo, 38, two-time UFC flyweight champion

vs. Payton Talbott, bantamweight co-main event

Natalia Silva vs. Wang Cong, women's flyweight title

Two straight losses, to Umar Nurmagomedov and Song Yadong

Win over Henry Cejudo in Cejudo's final MMA fight

Van def. Pantoja by unanimous decision, Sept. 19, 2026

Figueiredo made his pitch at UFC 332 media day, telling Last Word On MMA he has been asking the promotion for the move and "I will make that weight very easy." Sports Illustrated reports Van appears focused on Manel Kape next.

Figueiredo had his best days at flyweight, but at this point in his career, the odds would not be in his favor if he met Van. The young flyweight champion looks to be in a form that puts him on an elite level. At this point, there is only one flyweight in history who would have a chance to beat him, and that's Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson or perhaps a prime Henry Cejudo. If it's not one of them, Van is going to be a heavy favorite.

His boxing, takedown defense and improving submission game put Van as one of the five best fighters in the world. Is Figueiredo still on that level? Let's see if he gets past Talbott first. Here's a look at the entire UFC 332 card.

The official UFC 332 card runs Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City.

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