The bantamweight division keeps delivering compelling matchups, and this weekend’s UFC Rio co-main event is no exception. Deiveson Figueiredo vs Montel Jackson brings together two fighters at very different stages of their careers.
Figueiredo, the former flyweight king, has been testing himself against the best bantamweights around. Jackson, meanwhile, has quietly built one of the most impressive winning streaks in the division. Six straight victories have him knocking on the door of title contention. This fight could determine whether Figueiredo still belongs among the elite or if Jackson is ready to join their ranks.
The physical differences between these two bantamweights are impossible to ignore. Jackson stands 5’10” tall while Figueiredo (24-5-1)measures just 5’5″. Jackson’s 75 inch reach dwarfs Figueiredo’s 68 inch span. Looking at the striking numbers, Jackson lands 3.22 significant strikes per minute with 53% accuracy. Figueiredo isn’t far behind at 2.82 strikes per minute with 54% accuracy. But Jackson only absorbs 1.39 strikes per minute compared to Figueiredo’s 3.64.
The defensive stats tell a similar story. Jackson’s 62% striking defense is solid and professional. Figueiredo’s 49% striking defense is downright alarming for someone facing bigger, longer opponents.
The grappling statistics reveal another advantage for Jackson. He averages 3.24 takedowns per fight with an impressive 62% accuracy. Figueiredo attempts fewer takedowns at 1.69 per fight with just 35% accuracy. Jackson also defends 68% of takedown attempts while Figueiredo stops only 58%. If the fight hits the mat, Jackson should feel comfortable. His southpaw stance versus Figueiredo’s orthodox creates interesting angles throughout.
The oddsmakers have made up their mind for this fight. According to FanDuel, Montel Jackson is a -295 favourite. Meanwhile, Deiveson Figueiredo comes in at +220 underdog. That pricing reflects Jackson’s physical advantages and current form, making him a dangerous opponent for anyone at 135 pounds.
The odds for the fight going the distance have also come out. The odds for the fight seeing the judges scorecards stand at -160. The probability of the fight ending before the final bell is lower and the odds (+126) reflect that.
This matchup heavily favors Montel Jackson for several reasons. The size difference creates fundamental problems Figueiredo cannot overcome. Against Sandhagen, fans saw how bigger UFC bantamweights neutralize his aggression. Jackson fits that same mold but brings even more physical advantages to the table.
Figueiredo’s best attribute has always been his durability and relentless pressure. He breaks opponents mentally by walking through their best shots and continuing to march forward. That strategy worked perfectly at 125 pounds where he was one of the bigger flyweights. At bantamweight, he’s giving up size to nearly everyone. The punishment adds up faster, and his ability to recover between rounds diminishes.
If we bet on the fight, we are going with Montel Jackson to win via KO/TKO.
(All odds taken from FanDuel. Bet on the most up-to-date MMA odds, lines, and spreads with FanDuel Sportsbook)
(Image Credit: Mark J. Rebilas – Imagn Images)
mma I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!
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