The rematch between Deiveson Figueiredo and Josep Benavidez on July 18 looked like it was jeopardy after the former tested positive for COVID-19 last week. However, after follow-up tests he has shown to be carrying the antibodies for the coronavirus after being case positive over two months ago. On Sunday he received official clearance to fly to Fight Island, and the fight is still a go.
Figueiredo defeated Benavidez last March, but can he do it again and win the vacant flyweight title? Or will Benavidez avenge his loss and take home the belt?
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Betting Preview for the Deiveson Figueiredo vs Joseph Benavidez Flyweight Bout at UFC Fight Night on July 18, 2020
Where: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
When: Saturday, July 18, 2020
Odds: Deiveson Figueiredo (-225) vs. Joseph Benavidez (+175)
TV Broadcast: UFC Fight Pass
Betting on Deiveson Figueiredo (-225)
MMA Record: 18-1-0
Figueiredo will arrive into this fight on the heels of a three-bout win streak. He’s already had success against Benavidez, as he beat him via second-round knockout in their fight last March for the vacant flyweight title, but Figueiredo missed the weight cut for that match, thus the ruling that he’s ineligible to take home the belt. Figueiredo is a skilled fighter standing up or on the ground. He has nine knockout wins with zero knockout losses and a 6-0 submissions record. Figueiredo can find ways to win in a variety of ways. Before his win over Benavidez, Figueiredo submitted Tim Elliott via guillotine choke in October 2019 and fought his way into a unanimous decision victory over Alexander Pantoja in July 2019. Figueiredo has a three-inch reach advantage and a two-inch leg reach advantage against Benavidez.
Betting on Joseph Benavidez (+175)
MMA Record: 28-6-0
Benavidez is out for revenge — and a taste of a title. The 35-year-old Benavidez has been around the fighting game for quite some time now, but he’s gone 0-4 in title fights, including one against Dominick Cruz back in his WEC days. But that Benavidez always gets a shot at a title also speaks to his high quality as a fighter. Before losing to Figueiredo, Benavidez had a six-game unbeaten streak, which was snapped in a loss to Sergio Pettis in 2018, then rebounded by winning three in a row. In 34 career fights, Benavidez has not lost back to back, so his confidence in winning in his rematch against Figueiredo is understandably high. Although he got stopped by Figueiredo, Benavidez had more significant strikes (46-25) in that fight. He made better use of his kicks than Figueiredo and landed more strikes in clinches.
Writer’s Prediction
Benavidez wins via split decision.
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