Deiveson Figueiredo edges past rival Brandon Moreno via unanimous decision in trilogy

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Mexican fans showed up in droves on Saturday, to witness the UFC's first Mexican-born champion, Brandon Moreno, defend his title for the first time. But by the slimmest of margins, Deiveson Figueiredo spoiled the party.

Figueiredo (21-2-1) reclaimed the 125-pound title he lost to Moreno (19-6-2) last August by defeating his rival by unanimous decision. All three judges scored the flyweight title fight, which co-headlined UFC 270 inside the Honda Center, in favor of Figueiredo, 48-47.

Saturday's result brings the rivalry to an even record of 1-1-1. The two fought to a draw in December 2020, before Moreno dominated Figueiredo in their second meeting. After losing by submission in the rematch, however, Figueiredo looked like a completely different fighter in the trilogy, as his cardio and mental preparation was obvious.

«Today is my day,» Figueiredo said. «For this moment, for Brandon, for us to give you the gift of a fight of the night, for everyone who was here. I've been away from my family for four months. I'm ready for a fourth fight against Brandon in Mexico.»

According to UFC Stats, Moreno out-landed Figueiredo in total strikes 106 to 95 — but Figueiredo landed several devastating strikes, including a heavy right hand that knocked Moreno down badly at the end of the third round.

«I feel like I threw the better combinations with more speed, maybe he connected a little bit more power,» Moreno said. «Obviously, I thought I won, but it is what it is right now. I feel I was putting better pace on the fight. I don't know. I need to watch the fight again and see what happened.»

The trilogy bout saw the best of both men. Moreno's boxing and footwork were on display all night. He had great success with his