At UFC Rio, Deiveson Figueiredo grinded out a split decision over Montel Jackson, returning to winning ways after consecutive losses to Cory Sandhagen and Petr Yan. The victory demonstrated Figueiredo’s resilience and tactical grappling, as well as his ability to remain dangerous against younger, bigger bantamweights. With questions swirling about his ceiling at 135 pounds, the next step should test whether Figueiredo remains among the division’s elite.
A matchup against David Martinez makes perfect sense. Martinez, who just scored a unanimous decision win over Rob Font in September 2025, has built a reputation as a surging contender with powerful striking, good takedown defense, and momentum behind him. A fight with Figueiredo offers Martinez a big-name opportunity, while giving Figueiredo a chance to assert his veteran status and keep his run toward a second UFC title alive.
Last Five Fights – Deiveson Figueiredo:
1. Win over Montel Jackson – Decision (split), UFC Fight Night: Oliveira vs. Gamrot (October 11, 2025)
2. Loss to Cory Sandhagen – KO/TKO (round 2, 4:08), UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo (May 3, 2025)
3. Loss to Petr Yan – Decision (unanimous), UFC Fight Night: Yan vs. Figueiredo (November 23, 2024)
4. Win over Cody Garbrandt – Submission (round 2, 4:02), UFC 300 (April 14, 2024)
5. Win over Rob Font – Decision (unanimous), UFC Fight Night: Dariush vs. Tsarukyan (December 3, 2023)
Last Five Fights – David Martinez:
1. Win over Rob Font – Decision (unanimous), UFC Fight Night: Lopes vs. Silva (September 13, 2025)
2. Win over Saimon Oliveira – TKO (knee and punches), UFC on ESPN 64 (March 29, 2025)
3. Win over Xavier Franklin – Decision (unanimous), Dana White’s Contender Series (October 1, 2024)
4. Win over Jose Zarauz – KO (spinning wheel kick), Combate Global Championship Belt (May 27, 2023)
5. Win over Axel Osuna – TKO (punches), Combate Global (October 7, 2022)
This matchup pits Figueiredo's tested championship heart and grappling against Martinez's athleticism and rising star power, making it the right next step for both fighters in the bantamweight division.