The UFC will make a second attempt at crowning a new flyweight champion this summer.
Top contender Joseph Benavidez and Deiveson Figueiredo will run it back for the vacant 125-pound belt in July. A date is still being finalized, but the bout is expected to take place July 18, according to person with knowledge of the situation told MMA Junkie. The person requested anonymity since the UFC has yet to make an official announcement.
The UFC’s July 18 event does not have a location or venue at this time.
After Henry Cejudo opted to leave the weight class and vacate the gold, Benavidez (28-6 MMA, 15-4 UFC) and Figueiredo (18-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC) were booked to fight for the title at UFC on ESPN+ 27 in February.
Figueiredo missed weight for the contest and therefore wasn’t eligible to claim the belt. The fight ended up going Figueiredo’s way, though, as he scored a second-round knockout. The finish was somewhat controversial given Figueiredo hit Benavidez with a head butt before the finish. Both men had differing opinions on how the strike altered the fight, but ultimately the Brazilian got his hand raised.
UFC president Dana White said in the immediate aftermath of the contest that he felt a rematch was necessary. Now it appears set to come to fruition.
