Following two highly-contested fights, Brandon Moreno and Deiveson Figueiredo are set to fight for the third time for the UFC flyweight title at UFC 270 on January 22. The fight will take place inside the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
Figueiredo made his UFC debut in 2017. He fought Joseph Benavidez twice for the UFC flyweight title. The 34-year-old missed weight for the first fight against Benavidez, which made him unable to win the title. In the rematch, he beat Benavidez clean to win the belt.
Moreno joined the UFC in 2016 but was let go by the promotion in 2018 after only suffering two losses. He joined LFA and impressed UFC brass so much in his debut fight there that he returned to the promotion in 2019.
At UFC 256, the two fought to a draw, and at UFC 263, Moreno submitted Figueiredo in round three. Only one man can call themselves UFC flyweight champion! Moreno is hoping to end the rivalry between the two while Figueiredo is looking to reclaim his former glory.
Sporting News is breaking down the fight and providing some insight into the betting of the matchup.
UFC 270 odds for Brandon Moreno vs. Deiveson Figueiredo
According to the FanDuel Sportsbook, Figueiredo is the +144 underdog, meaning that a $70 wager would result in you winning $100. A $144 wager would result in you winning around $207. Moreno is the -178 favorite, meaning that a $178 wager would result in you winning $100.
Figueiredo was the -330 favorite in their first fight at UFC 256 with Moreno the +265 underdog. In the rematch at UFC 263, Figueiredo was the -250 favorite compared to Moreno at +205.
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Brandon Moreno vs. Deiveson Figueiredo prop bets
- Moreno via KO/TKO: +460
- Moreno via Decision: +270
- Moreno via Submission: +300
- Figueiredo via KO/TKO: +460
- Figueiredo via Decision: +500
- Figueiredo via Submission: +750
Brandon Moreno vs. Deiveson Figueiredo prediction
The flyweights are on a role, and these two fighters have been a huge help in making that happen. Figueiredo has proved to have the size advantage in the past. In his most recent workouts, he has looked like a different fighter. Moreno, however, has never relied on built, but heart. Skill may play a factor compared to anything else. Who has the edge?
Both fighters have absorbed a significant amount of damage in their careers, and they can dish it out as well. When it comes to significant strikes landed per minute, Moreno has a slight edge with about 3.44, while Figueiredo has landed 3.24. The latter has an edge in strike accuracy with 56% compared to Moreno's 39%, but Moreno's significant strike defense (58%) can give him an advantage against Figueiredo's power. The former champion has a strike defense of 49%. Moreno does have a two-inch reach advantage, but Figueiredo is known to strike at any time. If he gets you to make one mistake, it could end right there. Figueiredo and Moreno set the single-fight record for a UFC flyweight fight at UFC 256 with a combined 269 significant strikes landed.
One thing to watch out for if you are Figueiredo is Moreno's ground game. Moreno has landed about 2.05 takedowns per 15 minutes compared to 1.54 for Figueiredo. While the latter has an edge in takedown accuracy (52% over 47%) Moreno's takedown defense (65%) is higher than Figueiredo's (58%). At UFC 256, Moreno landed four takedowns against Figueiredo's two, and at UFC 263, Moreno landed two to his one, submitting him to win the title.
MORE: Everything to know about UFC 270
Figueiredo's weight is still a major concern. It has not been easy for Figueiredo to compete at flyweight recently, missing weight in 2020 against Benavidez. At other points, he has looked frail and many have stated it is time he switches divisions. With former UFC flyweight and bantamweight champion Henry Cejudo in his corner, however, Figueiredo might have found the proper balance to guide him on his weight journey.
Will the fact that Cejudo is helping Figueiredo affect Moreno? If the champion can block out all distractions, it may be the most minuscule part of the fight.
On a roll since being cut by the UFC in 2018 (5-0-2 since), momentum may be on the 28-year-old Moreno's side. Pressure by Moreno and his quickness in their last fight was able to take down Figueiredo. Figueiredo could try and come in hot right away, but Moreno may already be ready for that. Based on everything we have seen and how resilient he can be, Moreno may end up making it two in a row against Figueiredo.
Sporting News prediction: Brandon Moreno via submission (+300)