In the high-stakes arena of UFC fights, where champions are made and dreams can shatter, a lackluster showdown can still deliver surprises – and this co-main event at UFC Rio did just that, leaving fans buzzing about fairness and fighter strategies. But here's where it gets controversial: was the split decision truly reflective of what unfolded in the octagon, or did it spark debates that could divide even the most die-hard fans?
As a seasoned reporter who's been immersed in the world of combat sports since 2003, I've seen my share of thrilling battles and sluggish ones. This time, veteran flyweight Deiveson Figueiredo reclaimed his winning ways with a narrow split decision victory over rising star Montel Jackson. The fight, held in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, promised excitement but ultimately served up more of a grind than a spectacle, as Figueiredo's grappling prowess dominated the action.
For those new to mixed martial arts (MMA), grappling refers to the close-contact techniques like wrestling and submissions that fighters use to control opponents on the ground – think of it as the chess match within the physical chessboard of the UFC cage. Figueiredo, a former flyweight titleholder, leaned heavily on these skills to neutralize Jackson's striking game. Jackson, known for his long reach and punching power, struggled to gain traction throughout the bout, unable to muster the momentum needed to turn the tide. And this is the part most people miss: even though the first two rounds appeared to be a clear win for the Brazilian grappler, the judges kept things suspenseful, with two scorecards favoring Figueiredo 29-28 and one going to Jackson by the same slim margin.
It was enough to secure the victory for Figueiredo, who bounced back after a tough loss to Cory Sandhagen in his last fight. Post-match, he addressed the roaring Brazilian crowd with passion, saying, 'This is what it’s about. We pour our blood in here for your entertainment. There’s a lot of people online wishing me harm. I want to fight Merab [Dvalishvili]. But I know I have to work hard to get there.' His words highlighted the dedication and resilience required in this sport, where online trolling and personal rivalries add layers of drama beyond the cage.
The action kicked off with Jackson throwing quick jabs from a distance, aiming to keep Figueiredo at bay with his striking advantage – a style where punches and kicks are used to wear down opponents without getting too close. But Figueiredo countered smartly, using a precise takedown (a move where one fighter tackles the other to the mat) to shift the fight to the ground. There, he tried for submissions, like chokeholds, while Jackson defended and scrambled to get back up. They traded positions, but Jackson's offense only perked up when Figueiredo pressed forward, making the pace feel sluggish overall. Figueiredo capped the first round with a solid right hook that staggered Jackson and showed his punching versatility.
In the second round, Figueiredo wasted no time, charging in for another takedown and swiftly transitioning to mount position – a dominant spot where the fighter on top can rain down strikes or attempt submissions. Jackson fended off the choke attempts but still ended up on his back, allowing Figueiredo to control the round. Once upright, Jackson held back, coiled like a spring ready to unleash, yet he rarely committed to attacks, leaving Figueiredo content to circle and avoid risking too much.
By the third round, with a lead in hand, Figueiredo played it safe, orbiting the outside while Jackson waited for openings that never fully materialized. A late flurry saw Figueiredo attempt a leg lock (a submission where you twist an opponent's leg to force a tap-out), but the bell rang on a fight that, while technically solid, lacked the fireworks many anticipated.
In the end, Figueiredo earned the win, but Jackson missed a golden chance to propel himself up the bantamweight rankings. Was this bout a strategic masterpiece by Figueiredo, or did Jackson's passive approach cost him dearly? Some might argue the judges erred by making it so close, sparking questions about scoring transparency in MMA. What do you think – should fights like this prioritize entertainment over control, or is Figueiredo's win a testament to smart, calculated dominance? Drop your opinions in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you side with the judges or if this calls for a rematch!
