Last Saturday ended a UFC action marathon that included three events over seven days on “Fight Island” on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. From UFC 251 to UFC on ESPN 13 to UFC on ESPN + 30, a total of 36 fights took place from July 11-18, and there’s a lot to digest from that time.
There were memorable performances in championship bouts, clashes between contenders and wrestlers who made their debut. However, what effort left the most lasting impression? MMA Farah Hannoun Junkie, John Morgan and Simon Head debate in the latest edition of Triple Take.
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Farah Hannoun: Deiveson Figueiredo
Deiveson Figueiredo’s performance against Joseph Benavidez in the UFC on ESPN + 30 will be one of the most dominant championship victories in UFC history.
Few imagined that Figueiredo (19-1 MMA, 8-1 UFC) would be able to go through Benavidez like this, dropping him three times and becoming the first man to send him. While Figueiredo stopped Benavidez in Round 2 of his first fight, it was a competitive battle where Benavidez was able to win the first round.
Although Benavidez never won a UFC title, he has been a staple in the 125-pound division, eliminating almost all of the flyweights on the list, including a decision victory over former UFC dual champion Henry Cejudo. But Figueiredo was a man on a mission that night and wanted to erase the notion that he only won the first fight due to an unintentional head butt.
There are multiple 125-pound crushers to win the title, but Figueiredo seemed like an unstoppable force who can rule the division for a long time.
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