Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

UFC to book Figueiredo-Benavidez rematch

Written by 
Published in Breaking News
Wednesday, 04 March 2020 11:01

The UFC flyweight title remains vacant, despite the scheduling of a title fight for last weekend. The solution? Run that same fight right back, according to UFC president Dana White.

The UFC will book an immediate rematch between Deiveson Figueiredo and Joseph Benavidez for the flyweight belt, White told local media in Las Vegas on Tuesday. Figueiredo missed weight for the bout by 2.5 pounds and he was unable to win the title if he defeated Benavidez - which he did by second-round TKO in the main event of UFC Norfolk last Saturday night.

There was also an incidental clash of heads that happened right before the finish that opened a cut on Benavidez's head. Given the circumstances, White said he believes it's only right to give Benavidez another shot.

"I think the headbutt had a lot to do with the knockout, too," White said. "Not taking anything away from [Figueiredo]. It was a great fight. But I think you have to do that fight again."

Figueiredo (18-1) has been on a tear, winning seven of his first eight UFC fights. The Brazilian has finished five of those victories, including Benavidez with a sequence that started with a big right hand. Figueiredo, 32, declared he was the real champion afterward, despite not making weight and not being awarded the title.

Benavidez (28-6), a fan favorite, seemed destined to win the belt. He was in the very first UFC flyweight title fight back in 2012, losing by split decision to Demetrious Johnson. Since then, the Las Vegas resident has held serve, beating everyone else in the division aside from Johnson and Sergio Pettis to maintain his standing as a perennial contender. He lost to Johnson again in 2013 and last Saturday was his first title shot since, despite holding a 13-3 flyweight record heading into the bout against Figueiredo. Benavidez won the first round of that fight on every judges' scorecard.

Benavidez also owns a victory over Henry Cejudo, the UFC bantamweight champion who vacated the flyweight title late last year. The 35-year-old was on a three-fight winning streak coming into last weekend.

White did not give a timetable for a return matchup Wednesday. But he said it's all but a sure thing that Figueiredo vs. Benavidez 2 will happen.

"First of all, [Figueiredo] didn't make weight," White said. "Joe still fought him. There was a headbutt. A lot of controversy in that fight. But it was a great fight. Both guys came to fight. ... We'll do it again. They both deserve it."

Read 381 times

Soccer

Bay FC eyes record NWSL crowd at Giants ballpark

Bay FC eyes record NWSL crowd at Giants ballpark

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsSAN FRANCISCO -- Bay FC will play the Washington Spirit in a Nation...

Olmo strikes to put Barça seven clear of Madrid

Olmo strikes to put Barça seven clear of Madrid

Barcelona's Dani Olmo scored inside the first minute of the second half to earn a hard-fought 1-0 ho...

Poch will only select 'right characters' for USMNT

Poch will only select 'right characters' for USMNT

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsUnited States men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino em...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Silver: Playoff ratings 'fantastic' for first weekend

Silver: Playoff ratings 'fantastic' for first weekend

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNASHVILLE, Tenn. -- NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Tuesday that...

Edwards fined $50K for obscene gesture to fan

Edwards fined $50K for obscene gesture to fan

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves has been...

Baseball

Manfred eyes 'big crowd' when Bristol hosts MLB

Manfred eyes 'big crowd' when Bristol hosts MLB

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Major League Baseball has played at the "Field...

Source: White Sox's Pérez likely out for year

Source: White Sox's Pérez likely out for year

EmailPrintChicago White Sox left-hander Martin Pérez will likely miss the remainder of the season wi...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated