After three straight fights against each other, Brandon Moreno respects his flyweight rival Deiveson Figueiredo, but don’t expect the pair to be exchanging Christmas cards and well wishes any time soon.
Moreno (19-6-2) and Figueiredo (21-2-1) made UFC history this past Saturday when they competed for the promotion’s flyweight title for a third straight time. However, instead of being a rubber match to bring an end to their rivalry, the fight’s result has seemingly extended the pair’s feud.
In a closely contested five-round bout, the Brazilian was awarded the victory by unanimous decision. However, there are many in the MMA community that felt the Mexican star should have gotten the nod from the judges. Especially since he landed more strikes in the fight. It has left the series’ score at 1-1-1, following a 2020 draw and Moreno’s submission win last June.
Since their matchup in Anaheim’s Honda Center, “The Assassin Baby” has made it known a fourth fight needs to happen next. In a Thursday conversation with “>TMZ Sports, the former flyweight champion reiterated that point by explaining Moreno vs Figueiredo IV is the most exciting fight that can be made in the 125-pound division currently. A division that liked such big money fights not that long ago.
Brandon Moreno says Deiveson Figueiredo is a ‘horrible human being’
“It’s the only exciting fight right now in the flyweight division. Man, like four or five years ago the flyweight division was dead. Now, it’s like more than alive. That fight I really believe makes sense. When I start to think [about it] I start to feel very excited. Like, let’s go, I can [beat him] again,” Moreno said.
Without a doubt, the duo’s trilogy of fights will go down as the greatest rivalry in division history. Every matchup has been entertaining and the pair have pushed each other two new heights. Because of this, Moreno has a great deal of respect for the talents of “Dues Da Guerra.” However, the admiration ends there. And as an individual, Moreno believes Figueiredo is simply not a good person because of how he has looked to build interest in the fight by manufacturing hate between them.
“My thoughts are the same. {He is a] horrible human being, amazing fighter. That’s it,” said Moreno … “I always say the same [thing]. It’s fine for me, I don’t hate that guy. I feel a lot of respect for him. But in the exact moment when I say that, he trash talks against me. I think the guy doesn’t believe in his own words. A lot of people say, ‘Hey, you need to say this to sell the fight. You need to trash talk.’ So that’s why [I feel] like, poor guy in that part.”
The UFC and White have been mum about the possibility of a fourth fight between the flyweight stars. However, if it isn’t their next outings in the Octagon, another installment in their series is sure to come down the road.
What was your scorecard for Moreno vs Figueiredo III at UFC 270?
