Deiveson Figueiredo interested in flyweight return to fight UFC champion Joshua Van: ‘I go out there and knock him out’

Deiveson Figueiredo is eyeing a return to the flyweight division and a potential third UFC title reign. The former two-time 125-pound champion has been away from flyweight for nearly four years, competing at bantamweight in recent bouts. At UFC 332 media day on Wednesday, Figueiredo expressed confidence in his ability to challenge current flyweight king Joshua Van, who has quickly become one of MMA's most popular champions following an impressive run that includes a Fight of the Year candidate defense against Demetrious Pantoja at UFC 331. "I've been asking the UFC to make that fight," Figueiredo told media via translator. "I go out there and knock him out." The Brazilian striker believes his well-rounded skill set—combining striking and grappling—would prove too much for Van's primarily striking-based approach. However, Figueiredo's immediate focus is on UFC 332, where he faces top prospect Payton Talbott in a bantamweight bout. He is currently riding a two-fight losing streak and must upset the heavily favored Talbott before pursuing a flyweight title shot.