For now, the UFC’s flyweight division is chugging along with another high-profile matchup.
The promotion announced Tuesday that two-time title challenger Joseph Benavidez will fight undefeated Brazilian Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 233 on Jan. 26 at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. The Los Angeles Times was first to report the matchup.
This is a quick turnaround for Benavidez, who improved to 13-3 in the UFC this past Friday with a first-round TKO win over Alex Perez at The Ultimate Fighter 28 Finale. Benavidez is 26-5 in his pro career, with his only losses coming at the hands of Demetrious Johnson, Dominick Cruz, and Sergio Pettis.
Figueiredo (15-0) has won all four of his UFC appearances since joining the promotion in June 2017. Three of those UFC wins have come by TKO, including his most recent victory against John Moraga at UFC Lincoln.
Both Benavidez and Figueiredo are currently in the top 5 of the UFC’s official contender rankings.
UFC 233 will be headlined by flyweight champion Henry Cejudo defending his title against current bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw. Former Bellator and ONE welterweight champion Ben Askren is also scheduled to make his UFC debut against Robbie Lawler.
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