ABU DHABI – Rebooking Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Joseph Benavidez was an easy decision according to UFC president Dana White.
After the two UFC on ESPN+ 30 main event fighters made weight at Friday’s weigh-ins, White spoked to the media about the vacant flyweight title rematch and why it was booked.
“It was everything (from the first fight that made the rematch),” White said. “That fight was a no-brainer to redo. We had to redo it. So here we are. Now everything’s perfect. No excuses, no controversy, hopefully – hopefully, we answer all the questions (Saturday) night.”
The “controversy” White referred to was Figueiredo’s weight-miss in their initial fight in February. As a result of coming in heavy, Figueiredo (18-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC) did not walk home with UFC gold despite knocking out Benavidez (28-6 MMA, 15-4 UFC).
Friday, there were no weigh-in blunders – much to the pleasure of the UFC president.
“I was checking in with (Figueiredo) all day (Friday) about his weight,” White said. “He was on point.”
As for Benavidez, White praised the longtime UFC contender. Benavidez has had three cracks at the UFC title and has come up short in each. Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 30 main event will be Benavidez’s fourth title shot – and it could quite possibly his last.
“I’m sure (Benavidez thinks it’s his last title shot), too,” White said. “Benavidez is one of those guys no matter who comes in contact with that guy, whether it’s people at the (UFC Performance Institute), other fighters that train with him, everybody likes Joe Benavidez.
“He’s a great guy, he’s a hard worker. There’s never any bullshit with him. He’s a straight-forward kid. He’s a good kid. So it’s cool to see him get another opportunity at this point in his career. I’m happy for him.”
UFC on ESPN+ 30 takes place Saturday at Flash Forum on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The event streams on ESPN+.
