Images circulating online that depict former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo appearing significantly out of shape just days prior to UFC Des Moines have triggered concern among mixed martial arts fans regarding his condition.
The Brazilian fighter is set to return to the octagon this coming Saturday for a bantamweight clash against the formidable Cory Sandhagen. This highly anticipated bout is scheduled to take place in Iowa.
Since making the transition to the 135lb division in 2023, Figueiredo, known by his moniker `Deus Da Guerra` (God of War), has accumulated notable victories over fighters such as Rob Font, Cody Garbrandt, and Marlon Vera. However, his last performance resulted in a defeat against Petr Yan.
His upcoming fight in Iowa presents Figueiredo with a critical opportunity to reposition himself within the bantamweight title picture, aiming to hand Sandhagen his second consecutive loss.
Images Spark Fan Worry Regarding Figueiredo`s Physique
Despite his goal to deliver a performance comparable to his championship-winning form, recent photos that surfaced online have led to widespread fan apprehension regarding the Brazilian`s current physical state.
Throughout his career competing at 125lbs, Figueiredo was often associated with notoriously difficult weight cuts, which frequently concerned his supporters. His subsequent move to bantamweight was largely met with relief by many.
Nonetheless, it now appears Figueiredo may be facing challenges at the opposite end of the spectrum. The recent images show the former champion looking as though he has gained a considerable amount of weight.
Reactions from fans online included comments such as, “Does Figgy know he’s fighting this weekend?”, and a prediction from another user stating, “100 bucks he misses weight.”
While these specific images have gained traction recently, it is important to note that it remains unclear precisely when they were taken in the context of his current training camp.
Further comments highlighting fan surprise included: “Bro looks like me after Christmas,” and observing his appearance, “Figgy been eating good! Head doubled in size.”
Historically, Deiveson Figueiredo has only missed weight once in his entire UFC career, occurring before a flyweight title contention fight against Joseph Benavidez.
Another fan expressed their support mixed with observation, commenting, “Rooting for bro but he looks kind of chubby, lol.”
Recent Criticism Isn`t New for Figueiredo During This Camp
The concerns over his physical shape are not the only instance of Figueiredo facing criticism from the UFC fanbase during his preparation for the Des Moines event.
Earlier in his camp, the Brazilian fighter shared a video of himself practicing head movement, dodging cones thrown by his coach. This footage drew negative reactions from viewers who questioned the effectiveness and nature of his training regimen.
Rupert Hartwell