UFC Nashville: Jussier Formiga hands Deiveson Figueiredo his first professional loss

Jussier Formiga hands Deiveson Figueiredo his first career loss at UFC Nashville

Jussier Formiga defeated Deiveson Figueiredo via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) at UFC Nashville on Saturday, March 23, 2019, live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN.

The win for Formiga marks his fourth straight win dating back to UFC Japan in 2017. During Formiga’s three-fight winning streak leading into tonight, Formiga defeated the likes of Yuta Sasaki, Ben Nguyen, and Sergio Pettis.

The loss for Figueiredo is the first of his professional career. Figueiredo had a perfect 15-0 record coming into the fight tonight. His 15-0 record also included his perfect 4-0 record since joining the UFC in 2017.

Following the win, Formiga called out Henry Cejudo in his post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier.

Round 1

Both fighters touch gloves to start the fight. Both fighters are starting off a little cautious to start the fight off as there isn’t much action after the first minute of the fight. Formiga lands a counter finally to start things off. Formiga catches Figueiredo leg kick and almost lands a big counter. Both fighters are still pretty cautious in the first round. Formiga shoots forward and scores the takedown. Formiga controlling from half guard as he lands a couple of shots. Figueiredo is able to get back to his feet after a short moment on the ground. Formiga has Figueiredo in the clinch against the cage. Formiga is able to secure another takedown and ends up in full guard. Formiga lands two big shots including a big elbow to the head of Figueiredo before the end of the round.

Round 2

Both fighters are still being a little cautious to start the second round. Both trade some small jabs early on. Formiga shoots for the single leg takedown and secures it. Formiga once again in control on the ground from half guard. Formiga in control landing a couple of big shots to the head of Figueiredo in the ground and pound. Figueiredo landing big elbows not from his back. Figueiredo actually opens up a cut above the eye of Formiga. Formiga regains composure and stays in control from half guard. That’s where the two will finish round two.

Round 3

Coming into round three Figueiredo has to be thinking he may need a finish. Formiga gets Figueiredo in the clinch early as he looks for another takedown. Figueiredo is able to break away and land an uppercut. Figueiredo goes for a big shot and misses badly. Formiga fighting smart realizing Figueiredo most likely needs a finish. Formiga shoots for the takedown and once again secures the takedown. Formiga now in control from half guard and is looking to ride out the round. Figueiredo desperately looking to get back to his feet and he does. Formiga doesn’t let Figueiredo get away though as he controls the back of Figueiredo. Figueiredo is able to finally break free with a minute left in the round. Figueiredo taking big chances trying to land that one big shot but just can’t connect and that’s the end of the fight.

This flyweight fight featured a UFC veteran, Formiga, taking on one of the UFC’s top prospects, Figueiredo. There are a lot of questions surrounding the UFC flyweight division. Either way, the UFC keeps scheduling flyweight matchups and the fighters keep delivering.

Both Formiga and Figueiredo are currently ranked in the top-5 of the UFC’s flyweight rankings. A win tonight for either fighter gives them a good argument to be next in line to contend for the flyweight title against Henry Cejudo.

UFC Nashville takes place on Saturday, March 23, 2019, live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN. Follow along with FanSided MMA, who will be on site, for all your live results and highlights.