Manager Says Deiveson Figueiredo Open To Facing Joseph Benavidez Again At UFC 252

Deiveson Figueiredo and Joseph Benavidez met for the first time in the main event of UFC Fight Night Norfolk, which Figueiredo won by second round TKO, but since Figueiredo missed weight for the bout, it made him ineligible to win the vacant UFC Flyweight Title.

Wallid Ismail, who is Figueiredo’s manager, says the fighter is open to facing Benavidez for a second time.

“Joseph Benavidez was a warrior for accepting to fight him one kilo overweight and deserves the rematch,” Ismail said to MMA Fighting. “We like the guy, but on fight week it’s war, man. Since the UFC isn’t satisfied and wants another fight, it’s all good, the war continues.”

The weigh-in miss was the first for Figueiredo in his UFC run, which has now spanned for a total of eight fights.

If Benavidez and the UFC do want a second rematch, a potential landing spot is going to be this July at UFC 252.

“We suggest the same July card where Paulo Costa will fight for the belt against the winner of (Israel) Adesanya and (Yoel) Romero,” Ismail said.

There has been no word yet from either the UFC or Benavidez as to whether or not a second rematch with Benavidez will go down.