Jussier Formiga Says UFC Nashville Win Should Earn Him A Title Shot

Jussier Formiga is back in action at UFC Fight Night Nashville, facing Deiveson Figueiredo in a flyweight division encounter.

The top ranked Formiga says that a win over Figueiredo should put him in line for a shot at the UFC Flyweight Title.

“I’m not worried about the flyweight division possibly being abolished,” Formiga said to MMA Junkie. “The media made a lot of noise about that. Cejudo was just able to prove that he’s a great flyweight by defeating T.J. Dillashaw, who’s one of the UFC’s top fighters, pound-for-pound. After beating Deiveson, I’ll be on a four-fight winning streak. There’s nothing else to do after that, other than waiting for Cejudo. It’s impossible that I wouldn’t be next. Deiveson is an excellent opponent, who’s undefeated, but he’s pretty new in the UFC, and I’m not about to let him take my spot. I respect him, a fellow Brazilian, but I’m more deserving of the next title shot. This is my moment.”

Formiga does sit at #1 in the UFC Flyweight Division rankings, while Figueiredo occupies the #4 slot.

One thing fans can expect to see from Formiga when he enters the Octagon on Saturday Night is a more evolved fighter.

“I’ve been in the UFC since 2012,” Formiga said. “It’s been almost seven years of facing the best-ranked fighters, including the current champion, Henry Cejudo. I had some important wins and losses, such as the split-decision loss to Cejudo. It could have gone either way. It was a hard-fought battle. And there was the loss to Ray Borg in Brazil, which still doesn’t sit well with me. But it’s no use to cry over spilled milk. I’m in a great place in my career. I’ve been able to adjust some things. I’ve been able to evolve much, especially in regards to my striking. I’m feeling very confident going into my next bout.”

UFC Fight Night Nashville takes place on Saturday, March 23 from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee with Stephen Thompson and Anthony Pettis headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, which streams live on ESPN+.