Deiveson Figueiredo defends UFC 332 card from criticism: ‘It’s a little annoying’

The UFC 332 card heading to Salt Lake City on October 3 has faced considerable online criticism since its announcement, but former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo is defending the event's quality and his own placement on it.

Natalia Silva and Wang Cong will headline the numbered show at Delta Center for the vacant flyweight title, left open after Valentina Shevchenko's injury. The co-main event pairs rising prospect Payton Talbott against Figueiredo, who is attempting to reverse a troubling 1–4 recent record. The main card rounds out with King Green vs. Esteban Ribovics, Khaos Williams vs. Roberto Soldic, and Ateba Gautier vs. Roman Kopylov.

Figueiredo acknowledged the criticism stings but expressed confidence in the fighters involved. "About the criticism, it's a little annoying," he told MMA Fighting. "But I'm sure that all the fighters the UFC put on the card are ready to have a great fight. What looks weak can become strong." He noted surprise at earning a co-headliner slot after back-to-back losses to Umar Nurmagomedov and Song Yadong, but framed it as the UFC's continued investment in him. "I have a name, I have a history," he said. "There were some complications on the card, and I moved up to do the co-main event."

Talbott presents a striking-heavy challenge, but Figueiredo believes his own well-rounded arsenal will prove superior. "He has excellence in striking, but I see myself as a guy with more excellence," Figueiredo said, adding he is prepared for grappling exchanges too. Already based in Salt Lake City to acclimate to altitude after training in Thailand, he is laser-focused on snapping his losing streak. Figueiredo also voiced support for Silva's title bid, hoping to see the Brazilian claim UFC gold.