Deiveson Figueiredo Mocks Alex Perez- Says He Will ‘Knock Him Out in the First Round’

UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo spoke to MMA Fighting and shared his views on his upcoming title defense. ‘Deus da Guerra’ will face Alex Perez at UFC 255 that is set for November 21, 2020. Perez stepped in place of former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt, who was originally slated to fight Figueiredo at UFC 255.

The newly minted champion candidly explained that Cody was a challenge that made him more excited. ‘No Love’ is one of the hardest punchers in the lower weight classes and he truly puts the pace on people. Not to mention, he’s a household name and would be a great addition to any resume.

Deiveson Figueiredo previews UFC 255

The heavy-handed Brazilian fighter made it clear that Cody Garbrandt was his first choice to defend his strap against. He expressed a keen interest to run back the fight against him at some point down the road.

“I don’t get scared by opponents. With all due respect, Cody Garbrandt would have been a more dangerous fight for me, but I was training to knock him out. Unfortunately, he got hurt, and I hope he recovers quickly so we can make this fight happen.”

Additionally, Figueiredo also shared his sentiments towards Alex Perez and the tools that he brings to the table. It’s safe to say that Deiveson isn’t too impressed by what he’s seen thus far. He said that Perez doesn’t pose the same kind of threat as Grabrandt under the bright lights.

“They put Alex Perez in, and I don’t see many qualities in him,” Figueiredo said. “I’m training really hard as if I was fighting Garbrandt. You can be sure that I’ll train hard to knock him out. Based on what I’ve seen, Alex Perez’s style favors me. He’s slow, I see no danger in him. That’s why I’m training to knock him out in the first round.”

“I see more qualities in Brandon Moreno than in (Perez), but I’m playing by God’s will,” Figueiredo said. “Since they put him in, I’ll train to knock him out. I always train to knock my opponents out.”

“There’s always danger” – Deiveson Figueiredo

While he saw his title defense as being an easy outing, Deiveson was aware that UFC talent can always be challenging. Alex Perez holds a win over Jussier Formiga, the only man to have scalped an MMA win over Deiveson.

‘Deus da Guerra’ concluded, “There are no easy fights, there’s always danger, but of all the opponents out there, this matchup is the one that favors me the most. He offers less danger than the others. I always follow God’s plans. Since he’s the one coming to fight me, so be it. I’ll give him a warm welcome.”

Deiveson Figueiredo has a real opportunity to become a mainstream star should he hold on to the title. Perez is a game opponent, but it’s clear that ‘Deus da Guerra’ expects a quick night at the office.