Chito Vera vs. Deiveson Figueiredo Rumored to Be Held at UFC Abu Dubai

After his first attempt at capturing UFC gold fell short, Marlon Vera is set to face a former world champion in a bid to bounce back.

Multiple sources with knowledge of the promotion’s plans have confirmed to MMA Fighting that Vera is expected to fight former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC Abu Dhabi on August 3.

Verbal agreements are in place for this crucial 135-pound bout. Ag. Fight was the first to report the matchup.

Both fighters are currently tied for the No. 10 spot in the 135-pound category in MMA Fighting’s Global Rankings.

In his latest appearance, Vera lost a unanimous decision to bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley in the main event of UFC 299 in March.

Before that, “Chito” secured a decision victory over Pedro Munhoz at UFC 292, which earned him a shot at the UFC title.

Notably, Vera remains the only fighter to have defeated O’Malley in the octagon.

Figueiredo, a two-time UFC flyweight champion, has been impressive since moving up to 135 pounds.

He earned a dominant decision win over Rob Font at UFC Austin in December and then submitted former 135-pound champion Cody Garbrandt in the second round at April’s memorable UFC 300 event.

UFC Abu Dhabi will feature Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov in the main event.