Figueiredo vs Moreno Analysis and Prediction

Deiveson Figueiredo (20-1-1) vs Brandon Moreno (18-5-2)

Flyweight (125)

UFC Flyweight Championship

Deiveson Figueiredo

Although declared a draw, the majority of scorers at home had the champion well ahead by the final round. While the docked point played a key role, Figueiredo struggled more so due to questionable decision making rather than meeting his match. Without the rapid turnaround after his first title defence, Figgy should have no issues with his conditioning in what could again prove to be a marathon fight.

With a highlight reel as long as Figueiredo’s, it helps paper over the many cracks in his game. The most obvious hole is Figueiredo’s flawed decision making, choosing to drop his jab that peppered Moreno for the first two rounds, in favour of chasing wild power shots. There is no denying that Figgy Pudding has the rare lights out KO power that is sorely lacking amongst the smaller men. Yet there’s a comes time in a fighter’s career where they fall too far in love with their power. Moreno’s durability, as shown last time, is astounding. Fig could certainly crack Moreno’s chin if given enough chances, but why opt against securing easy rounds behind the jab?

Fig’s chin and rapid recovery time are also often overlooked when discussing the champion. Able to survive a huge scare against Moreno, Fig also showcased a lesser-seen output deep in the fight. Focusing the power shots to the body, and leaving the head-hunting for elbows at range, Fig should have Moreno out-gunned.

Brandon Moreno

After such a huge performance the first time around, it’s lovely to see the new support for one of MMA’s good guys. The Mexican possesses such a ridiculous natural athleticism, he has ridden to the top based on his titanium chin and breathless pace. It is a shame then, that Moreno’s lack of power has plagued his career. Although Moreno was clipping Fig with counters, he didn’t commit early enough. Often Moreno would sting with a counter to the body, but linger at range having not afflicted enough damage to stop Fig from thundering his huge uppercuts.

Relying on his granite chin, and by committing to counters earlier, Moreno can set a pace that only he can match during the championship rounds. While it seems ludicrous to fight fire with fire against such a heavy-handed foe, it is key for Moreno to lead the fight. That doesn’t mean going toe to toe with Fig. Instead, there needs to be a greater focus on the stick and moving with the jab (as Moreno employed during the fourth round). By creating angles through landing first, stemming from confident striking in the face Figgy’s explosive power, Moreno will be able to dictate the pace and range of the fight.

Predicted Result: Figueiredo Decision

With a highlight reel as long as Figueiredo’s, it helps paper over the many cracks in his game. The most obvious hole is Figueiredo’s flawed decision making. Dropping his jab that peppered Moreno for the first two rounds, Fig instead chased wild power shots. There is no denying the Brazilians freak KO power at 125, but it seems foolish to fall away from a game plan that was dominating.

Moreno possesses breathless cardio and a titanium chin, but he was comfortably beaten in the early 50/50 exchanges. Relying on his granite chin, and by committing to counters earlier, Moreno can set a pace that only he can match during the championship rounds. While it seems ludicrous to fight fire with fire against such a heavy-handed foe, it is key for Moreno to lead the fight. Figueiredo should win this fight comfortable if he maintains his composure on the outside, but his propensity for a mental meltdown is always hiding in the shadows.

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