Joe Rogan sounded dismissive of Deiveson Figueiredo's champion status during the UFC 277 broadcast, hailing the interim title clash between Brandon Moreno and Kai Kara-France as the 'real' flyweight title fight. The UFC color commentator believes 'Deus da Guerra' will not return to defend his throne at 125 pounds.
Backing his claim, Rogan also stated that Moreno should have won his trilogy bout against Figueiredo as well. The renowned podcaster said during the UFC 277 broadcast:
“[UFC 277 is] the real world title fight. I don’t think we’re ever going to see DF down at 125 again, and I think those two gentlemen, there’s a real good argument that Moreno won that last fight as well. So that is, in my opinion, that’s the world title fight right there.”
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Figueiredo regained his title from Moreno via a closely contested unanimous decision at UFC 270 in January. 'Deus da Guerra' has since been out of action nursing injuries to both hands and one knee. The Brazilian has been dismissive of the interim title fight, although he has expressed interest in a bout against Kara-France.
In the aftermath of Joe Rogan's comments, Henry Cejudo, Figueiredo's new training partner, came to the defense of the flyweight champ. 'Triple C' is confident that the Brazilian will defend his flyweight title against the interim champion.
Figueiredo is in attendance for tonight's interim title clash between Moreno and Kara-France.
Deiveson Figueiredo has promised to continue defending his title
Deiveson Figueiredo hasn't fought anyone other than Brandon Moreno since December 2020. 'Deus da Guerra' retained his title via a majority decision in the first encounter, lost it via submission in the rematch, and regained it via a majority draw in the trilogy fight.
The Brazilian is now admittedly looking for a new challenge in Kai Kara-France while also eyeing a move up to bantamweight. However, Figueiredo recently promised to continue defending his 125 pound throne as long as there is someone to challenge him. The flyweight champ said on MMA Fighting’s Trocação Franca podcast:
"I admit I have the desire to go up to 135. I don’t know when, only God knows that. [But] as long as I’m having success at 125 and have someone to challenge me, rest assured that I’ll continue defending what’s mine.”