Figueiredo Confirms Flyweight Return, Eyes Van Clash

Former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo has reversed course on a long-standing position, saying he will return to 125 pounds to chase current titleholder Joshua Van after his UFC 332 appearance this weekend.

Figueiredo, who defends his record against Payton Talbott on Saturday at bantamweight, spent months dismissing a flyweight comeback due to the brutal weight cut. At Thursday's pre-fight press conference, he walked that back completely. "I've been asking the UFC and telling them I will make that weight very easily," Figueiredo said, per BJPenn.com. "Just make that fight, I want that opportunity, and we'll see if his boxing is as good as mine."

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Figueiredo Targets Van's Striking Game

The Brazilian went further, claiming he would finish Van on the feet. "200 percent, it needs to happen," he said. "If the UFC gives me that opportunity, I go in there and knock him out. Everyone wants to exchange with him — if he wants to strike with me, in front of me, the effect won't be the same, and he won't want to." Figueiredo criticized Alexandre Pantoja's approach in the recent title fight, suggesting Pantoja should have leaned harder on grappling instead of standing with Van.

Van retained the flyweight strap at UFC 331 earlier this month with a unanimous decision over Pantoja in an immediate rematch. Top contender Manel Kape is considered the frontrunner for the next title shot.

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Figueiredo enters UFC 332 on a two-fight skid, dropping decisions to Song Yadong and Umar Nurmagomedov since moving up from flyweight. Now approaching 40, the former champion would need a convincing win over Talbott to justify another weight-class shift — this time back down to the division he once ruled.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Deiveson Figueiredo eyes Joshua Van clash as he commits “200%” to flyweight return after UFC 332