In televised mixed martial arts (MMA) history, nothing is more compelling than a title fight with massive implications that’s accompanied by a compelling backstory, and this weekend’s UFC Fight Island 2 main event. , which takes place TONIGHT (Saturday, July 18, 2020) on ESPN + of “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi, is just that.
Brazilian fort Deiveson Figueiredo will make his second attempt to capture UFC gold against the same opponent since his first attempt to win the title, Joseph Benavidez, back on the roof of UFC Norfolk. However, a poor weight cut forced Figueiredo to give up his chance to claim the title (win or lose) and give up a percentage of his salary package. The controversy continued after Figueiredo won by technical knockout after a head butt and Benavidez continued to allege that Figueiredo deliberately hit him.
Benavidez, a combat sports legend and future Hall of Famer, will try to capture a UFC championship for the fourth time. Two losses against former flyweight boss Demetrious Johnson put Benavidez in a lose / lose situation, regardless of how many fights he won after his losses by “Mighty Mouse”. His knockout loss to Figueiredo was nothing more than an intentional header, according to Benavidez, but only time will tell.
The stage is set on “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi and the two best flyweights in the UFC will meet for the second time this year, which will undoubtedly have the potential of “Fight of the Year” and will crown the new biggest flyweight in the world. world.
Joseph ‘Benavidez
35 years
MMA Professional Registration: 28-6-0
Gym: Xtreme Couture & Team Alpha Male
First fight: 3 of Junerd 2006 (debut in UFC 2011)
Streak: 1 loss (Figueiredo by TKO)
Road to victory – Benavidez must maintain his composure entering a second clash with the powerful striker Figueiredo. On record, complaining of depression and crying spells could be symptoms of a concussion. He is not getting younger and the powerful attacks of his opposition could be taking its toll. A defensive mindset should probably be more of a priority than what “Joe Jitsu” is used to. Figueiredo loves to counterattack and was happily grateful for the aggressive approach Benavidez took in his first fight.
The power difference was vital in the first round, Benavidez loved to get in and out of a dogfight, but was countered by power attacks on the Brazilian. Figueiredo changed his posture effortlessly and exchanged in the pocket with Benavidez as when we saw the clash of heads.
Benavidez’s exciting style needs to be tamed. Figueiredo’s chin has proven its durability, so a smart fight for “Joe Jitsu” would involve a smart strategy. His hands drop to his side, wild punches and kicks are exchanged and, in most cases, Benavidez has come out on top, but not against Figueiredo: the tactic needs to be altered for the second match.
Deiveson Figueiredo
32 years
MMA Professional Registration: 16-1-0
Gym: Marajo Brothers
First fight: February 17thth 2012 (debut at UFC 2017)
Streak: 3 wins (Benavidez by TKO, Elliot by Sub, Pantoja by decision)
Road to victory – Deiveson Figueiredo has prevailed in the flyweight division, one of the rare elite 125-pound power strikers. A single-hit shot is all he needs from the Brazilian, and no one learned this lesson more than Benavidez himself.
Their first encounter was an uneven round in Figueiredo’s favor, followed by a TKO in the second round after a head-butt. Yes, the header was a factor, but it would be negligent to completely ignore the previous damage that Figueiredo had accumulated in Benavidez.
I expect a similar result. If not, a more impressive presentation from Figueiredo the second time. As long as he has no trouble with his (successful) weight cut and his cardio can take him to deep water, I predict that the country of Brazil will have a new weight class added to its UFC title list.
Benavidez vs Figueiredo Betting Odds
The bookmaker’s opinion has shifted weight since their first fight, as betting favorite -165 (Benavidez) has now switched places with the underdogs for this weekend’s rematch. Benavidez opened up like him +135 underdog for his title shot at “Fight Island”. I guess punters saw more than a head-butt of Figueiredo in his first (somewhat) controversial finale.
Now sitting on +185 The movement of the line is questionable. And although I favor Figueiredo in the rematch, if the line continues to move, a look to the other side may have some value.
Final Prediction: Deiveson Figueiredo by KO / TKO
MMAmania.com Will Offer LIVE Coverage Round By Round, Knock By Knock Of Entire UFC Fight Island 2 Fight Card RIGHT HERE, starting with ESPN + “Preliminary” poster fights at 5 pm ET, followed by the ESPN + Main card start time at 8 pm ET.
To see the rest of the UFC Fight Island 2 fight card and ESPN + lineup, click here.
