Deiveson Figueiredo Eyes Flyweight Return to Challenge Champion Joshua Van

Former two-time UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo is eyeing a return to 125 pounds and a potential third championship reign. Figueiredo, who has not competed in the division for nearly four years, is currently continuing his run at bantamweight as he prepares to face Payton Talbott on the main card of UFC 332 in Salt Lake City this Saturday.

Speaking to MMA Fighting during Wednesday's media day, Figueiredo revealed that he has been requesting a title shot against current flyweight champion Joshua Van, insisting that making the 125-pound limit would not be an issue. Figueiredo expressed complete confidence in dropping back down, stating he is "two hundred percent" willing and promised that if given the opportunity, he would knock Van out.

Van has emerged as a prominent champion, having successfully defended his title against Tatsuro Taira and earned a victory over Brandon Royval. Outside of an initial 26-second bout against Alexandre Pantoja that ended due to a freak arm injury suffered by Pantoja, Van has earned three consecutive Fight of the Night bonuses.

Assessing a potential matchup, Figueiredo critiqued Pantoja's approach against Van, arguing that Pantoja relied too heavily on striking instead of utilizing his jiu-jitsu. Figueiredo emphasized that his own dual-threat capabilities as both a striker and a grappler would present a much different challenge for the reigning champion.