Deiveson Figueiredo plans to undergo an MRI scan upon his return to Brazil to determine the full extent of the knee injury he suffered during his main event fight against Cory Sandhagen at UFC Des Moines.
According to his manager, Alex Davis, Figueiredo remains in “good spirits” despite the disappointing outcome, hoping the injury is not serious.
While the official diagnosis is pending, it is possible Figueiredo sustained a knee strain. This would be a much more favorable outcome than a tear, which could potentially require surgery.
The injury occurred in the second round during a ground exchange. As Sandhagen transitioned to a sitting position, it caused a torqueing motion on Figueiredo`s knee, leading him to tap out immediately due to significant pain. Sandhagen later explained that this is a position he frequently practices with his grappling coach, and it`s not uncommon for fighters to sustain knee injuries in such a scenario.
It appears this technique is what caused Figueiredo`s injury. He required assistance to exit the octagon and went backstage for medical attention.
Following the fight, Figueiredo shared a brief statement on social media addressing his loss.
Via translation, his Instagram post read: “The result is not always what we want, but the fight goes on. Thank you from the heart to God, my family, my team and all of you who cheer, support and believe in me.
“We will come back stronger. I’m a warrior and this is just another chapter of my story!”
This setback is Figueiredo`s second consecutive defeat. His previous loss was a decision against former champion Petr Yan in a five-round bout last November.
Prior to these two losses, Figueiredo had a successful run in the bantamweight division, securing three straight victories, including notable wins over former champion Cody Garbrandt and one-time title challenger Marlon Vera.
Once back home in Brazil, Figueiredo is expected to consult with his doctor within the next few days for the MRI scan, which will provide clarity on the nature and severity of his leg injury.
