In the main event of UFC 255, UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo successfully defended his title against Alex Perez. Perez would be submitted by the champion in just under two minutes of the first round. In the last fight of the prelims for UFC 255, top-ranked flyweight Brandon Moreno would also make quick work of his opponent, finishing Brandon Royval by TKO in the first round.
After defeating Royval, Moreno would call his shot and take aim at the champion. Given that neither man had taken any damage in their recent fights, a bout between the two flyweights felt inevitable. However, that opportunity for Moreno would come much sooner than he probably expected.
Athlete Profiles: Deiveson Figueirdeo | Brandon Moreno
Shortly after UFC 255 concluded, Figueiredo would agree to fight Moreno in three weeks, setting the quickest turnaround in UFC history for a champion.
After being cut from the UFC for a brief moment in 2019, Moreno had clawed his way back to the top and the first-round finish over Royval left Moreno as the only viable contender. While more time would’ve been ideal, Moreno was more than ready for his moment and opportunity.
Moreno was able to find his jab against the champion, but Figueiredo proved to have the power. Regardless of the champion’s power, Moreno continued to press forward and land combinations of his own. In the third round, Figueiredo landed an accidental low blow against Moreno that would bring the bout to a brief halt. As a result of the damage and amount of time Moreno needed to recover, referee Jason Herzog would take a point away from the champion.
Watch The First Fight Between Deiveson Figueirdo And Brandon Moreno On UFC Fight Pass
After recovering from the low blow, Moreno was able to shake off the cobwebs and stay in the fight. The penalty proved to be a crucial turning point in the bout, as it evened out the scorecards of two judges. By the end of the championship bout, Figueiredo and Moreno would end up fighting to a draw. The pair would eventually run it back two more times down the line.