After defeating Brandon Moreno via unanimous decision to reclaim the flyweight crown in their trilogy bout at UFC 270, Deiveson Figueiredo was not happy the promotion decided to create an interim belt some six months later.
Moreno will face Kai Kara France for interim gold at UFC 277 in Dallas on July 30. Figueiredo makes it clear that he will not recognize the winner as a champion.
“I got really upset. I didn't expect that from UFC,” Figueiredo told Brazilian outlet AgFight. “I just couldn't believe when I heard that news. We fought in January, and they know I have a hand injury. After that decision I have to use Charles [Oliveira’s] words: 'The champion has a name and it's Deiveson Figueiredo.' This plastic belt has no value.”
The disappointment with the UFC’s decision has Figueiredo considering a move to the bantamweight division.
“I'm seriously thinking about abandoning that division. Myself and Henry Cejudo were the saviors of that division. After that decision from UFC I'm thinking seriously about going up to 135 pounds."
Figueiredo also revealed that he is planning to go to Dallas before UFC 277 to meet with promotion officials before making his decision.
“I'm going to be at that fake party for the plastic belt and remind them who is the real champion,” Figueiredo said. “Before I make my final decision I want to talk to Dana White. I will also meet with Henry Cejudo and Eric Albarracin to see what to do."
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