Manager: Deiveson Figueiredo Targets June Rematch With Brandon Moreno

Mandatory Credit: Jeff Bottari - Zuffa LLC

Despite tentative plans from UFC president, Dana White for a flyweight title rematch between Deiveson Figueiredo and Brandon Moreno to take place in either April or May -- the defending champion's manager, Wallid Ismail has earmarked a June return and re-run for his client. 

Battling to a Fight of the Year contender at UFC 256 in December, Figueiredo and Moreno shared the Octagon for the entire five round limit -- turning in arguably the greatest fight in the history of the UFC's flyweight division. Judged a majority draw, Figueiredo, who dealt with severe stomach issues the night before his second attempted title defence, emerged with his championship in tow -- with the promotion poised to book Moreno in an immediate rematch. 

Speaking with BJPENN.com reporter, Cole Shelton recently, Figueiredo's manager, Ismail solidified Moreno's status as the next challenger to the flyweight crown, before insisting the Para native hopes to score that re-run in a June return.

"One hundred per cent his (Deiveson Figueiredo's) next fight is (Brandon) Moreno," Ismail said. "We are working on it happening in June. There is no date yet but Deiveson wants June."

Claiming the undisputed flyweight crown at a 'Fight Island' event in July, Figueiredo scored another dominant victory over multiple-time title chaser, Joseph Benavidez -- dropping the Texan three times before stopping the veteran with a brutal rear-naked choke.

Originally scheduled to attempt his first title defence against former bantamweight best, Cody Garbrandt at UFC 255 in November -- the Ohio native was forced to withdraw from his would-be divisional bow after he contracted a rather debilitating case of COVID-19, as well as suffering a tear in a vein running through his bicep -- resulting in multiple blood clots.

Matching with Team Oyama wrestler, Alex Perez on short-notice, Figueiredo scored his first successful title defence, stopping the Lemoore native with a timely guillotine in the rebooked main event clash -- on the same card as challenger, Moreno's ground-and-pound victory over Brandon Royvel who had suffered a dislocated shoulder.