Former UFC champion Figueiredo open to flyweight return for Pantoja rematch

Deiveson Figueiredo is ready to return to flyweight for a title fight against Alexandre Pantoja.

UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja has dominated the 125-pound division, defeating nearly every top contender multiple times.

With limited challenges left, Pantoja has set his sights on potential opponents outside the UFC, even calling out retired flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson.

However, another former flyweight champion, Deiveson Figueiredo, has expressed interest in a rematch and is willing to move back down to flyweight to fight Pantoja for the title.

Figueiredo, who previously held the flyweight title, is open to the idea of returning to the 125-pound division. "I saw he challenged Demetrious Johnson, and I volunteered to fight him," Figueiredo told MMA Fighting. "Demetrious is retired, and if Pantoja is looking for someone, why not mention me?"

Figueiredo, who recently competed at bantamweight, has a 2-1 record in that weight class and previously defeated Pantoja in 2019.

Despite the five-year gap since their last fight, Figueiredo believes he is the best contender for a title shot. "I fought at flyweight before and beat him. If the UFC wants me to fight him, I’ll drop down to 125," Figueiredo added.

Although cutting weight may present a challenge, Figueiredo isn’t concerned. "I’ve gone from 163 pounds to 125, and now I’m fighting at bantamweight. I’ll be around 150 pounds for the fight, so making weight won’t be an issue."

Figueiredo's history in the flyweight division is impressive, with the 36-year-old maintaining dominance against all but Brandon Moreno.

His willingness to return to flyweight makes him a serious contender to face Pantoja next, and fans are eagerly awaiting confirmation of the potential showdown.