Manager: Deiveson Figueiredo open to Joseph Benavidez rematch at UFC 252

MMAfighting.com

Deiveson Figueiredo knocked out Joseph Benavidez at Saturday’s UFC Norfolk, but didn’t claim the flyweight championship after he missed weight by 2.5 pounds on Friday morning.

The UFC has yet to announce what’s next for the weight class and the vacant title, but Figueiredo’s manager Wallid Ismail told MMA Fighting the company is interested in booking an immediate rematch for the 125-pound title.

“Joseph Benavidez was a warrior for accepting to fight him one kilo overweight and deserves the rematch,” Ismail said. “We like the guy, but on fight week it’s war, man. Since the UFC isn’t satisfied and wants another fight, it’s all good, the war continues.”

Figueiredo never missed weight before in his UFC career, but had complications while cutting weight in Norfolk. His team claims the Brazilian fighter went as low as 125.9 before being advised to rehydrate, and guarantees “it won’t happen again.”

Ismail said he spoke with UFC officials post-fight in Norfolk and the company wants to book an immediate rematch with the 35-year-old veteran, but it’s pending on whether or not Benavidez is interested and when he would be able to get back in camp.

“We just wanna know when Benavidez wants to fight,” Ismail said. “But, please, don’t take too long.”

UFC’s annual International Fight Week card in Las Vegas is expected to go down on July 11, and Figueiredo’s team is eyeing that weekend for the championship bout.

“We suggest the same July card where Paulo Costa will fight for the belt against the winner of (Israel) Adesanya and (Yoel) Romero,” Ismail said.