The first matchup showed a bit of each fighter doing what he does best. Benavidez darted in and out throwing heavy combinations, but Figueiredo had more significant moments, including a deep armbar attempt in the first round that Benavidez scrambled to escape and the finishing strike in the second round. What adjustments Benavidez makes now that he felt Figueiredo’s power and what Figueiredo changes after seeing Benavidez’s speed and well-rounded attack makes the difference in the rematch.
DEIVESON FIGUEIREDO
Key Stats: 1.09 knockdowns per 15 minutes (3rd all-time among FLW), 52.5% significant strike accuracy (3rd all-time among FLW), 2.36 submissions per 15 minutes (1st all-time among FLW)
What It Means: Deiveson Figueiredo is a savage finisher in a fashion that is unique in his weight class. He walks forward and is more than willing to take a strike to give a heavier one, and once he rocks his opponent, he is adept at finishing with ground-and-pound or with slick jiu-jitsu and submission skills. His power and threats on the ground can often suffocate an opponent.
JOSEPH BENAVIDEZ
Key Stats: 5 knockout wins (1st all-time among FLW), 3.99 strikes landed per minute (5th all-time among FLW), 17 total fights (1st all-time among FLW)
What It Means: No other flyweight has more Octagon experience than Joseph Benavidez, and throughout his career, he has shown a propensity for landing the power shot. Moreover, his best skill might come in the grappling department. Few flyweights can scramble at the level Benavidez can, making him a hard puzzle to figure out in the Octagon.