Former two-time UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo is returning to Brazil where he will receive an MRI to fully assess the extent of the knee injury suffered during his recent main event fight against Cory Sandhagen at UFC Des Moines. The fight ended in a disappointing loss for Figueiredo.
On Sunday, Figueiredo`s manager, Alex Davis, shared that despite the outcome, Deiveson is in “good spirits” and is hopeful that the injury is not too severe.
While the exact diagnosis is pending, initial hopes are that Figueiredo may have sustained a knee strain. This would be a significantly better outcome than a tear, which could potentially necessitate surgery.
The injury occurred during the second round. As the bantamweights were grappling on the canvas, Sandhagen sat up in a specific position, which twisted Figueiredo`s knee. The pain was immediate and significant, leading Figueiredo to tap out. Sandhagen later commented that this is a ground position he practices frequently with his coach Ryan Hall and that knee injuries can unfortunately result from it.
It appears this scenario played out for Figueiredo, who required assistance leaving the octagon and was taken backstage for medical attention.
Shortly after the fight concluded, Figueiredo posted a brief message on social media addressing his loss.
“The result is not always what we want, but the fight goes on,” Figueiredo wrote on Instagram. “Thank you from the heart to God, my family, my team and all of you who cheer, support and believe in me.
“We will come back stronger. I’m a warrior and this is just another chapter of my story!”
This loss marks Figueiredo`s second consecutive defeat, following a decision loss in a tough five-round fight against former champion Petr Yan last November.
Before these two recent setbacks, Figueiredo had a strong run in the bantamweight division, securing three straight victories against notable opponents, including former champion Cody Garbrandt and one-time title challenger Marlon Vera.
Now back home in Brazil, Figueiredo is scheduled to meet with his doctor in the coming days. The MRI results will provide a clear picture of the injury to his leg.
