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Match Preview: UFC 255 – Figueiredo vs Perez

Another weekend is upon us, which means another night of fights are in order from the UFC Apex Center in Las Vegas as two titles are on the line for UFC 255.

Headlining UFC 255 will be a pair of flyweight champions defending their belts as women’s champion Valentina Shevchenko takes on Jennifer Maia in the co-main event, and Alex Perez looks to dethrone newly crowned king of the division Deiveson Figueiredo in the main event.

This will be Figueiredo’s (19-1 9 KOs 7 SUBs) first title defense since winning the belt back in July. Holding an outstanding record, including going 8-1 in the UFC, the Brazilian champion is looking to show he is here to stay amongst the top at the 125lbs division. One of the hardest hitters with a slick ground game, Figueiredo can be a threat anywhere the fight takes place. His aggressive style and combination of power and speed make him a tough outing for anyone who’s looking to replace him at the top of the mountain.

Looking to do just that will be California native Alex Perez (24-5). Making his way into the UFC via Dana White’s Contender Series season 5, Perez has shown he is a force to be taken seriously within the division. Going 7-1 inside the promotion so far, Perez will see if he can solve the champion’s puzzle and see himself as the first winner of the DWCS to hold UFC gold. It won’t be easy, but this is as close as any contest winner has come so far. Will he be the first? We will find out.

In the co-main event, we will be seeing one of the most dominant Champions and well rounded fighters look to extend her reign.

Valentina Shevchenko (19-3 6 KOs 7 SUBS) is looking for her fourth straight title defense as she takes on Brazilian challenger Jennifer Maia (18-6). Shevchenko, who is 8-2 in the UFC and 5-0 at flyweight, has shown every time she steps into the octagon that she continues to grow as a fighter and round out her game. Whether she’s hitting her opponents in the face with kicks, choking them out on the mat, picking them apart with combinations in the standup game, or taking them down for vicious ground and pound, there isn’t anything within the cage she cannot do.

Yes, she has been a dominant champion and looks to stay that way. But the fact that she always comes in sharp, prepared, and improved, shows she is not settling and getting comfortable but challenging herself to push the limits of her game to be perfect. She will look to extend her dominance against Maia, who has shown a growth in her game despite being 2-2 in the UFC.

She’s one of the few top contenders in the division that the champ hasn’t run through already. It’s a tall order to ask for, but no reward is without risk. Maia will instantly be remembered if she can pull off what would be a major upset. The question is, will the moment and her opponent be too much for her? Or will she rise to the occasion? Can Shevchenko keep her eyes on the prize and show why she has not found her equal at 125lbs yet? Questions will be answered.

Also on the card will be other exciting bouts:

Mike Perry (14-6 11 Kos) vs. Tim Means (30-12 19 KOs)

Katlyn Chookagian (14-4) vs. Cynthia Calvillo (9-1)

Maurício “Shogun” Rua (27-11 21 KOs) vs Paul Craig (13-4 12 SUBs)

UFC Fight Night will surely be a fun event to watch as modern day gladiators step in the octagon to do battle.

Be sure to check out franchisesportsmedia.com for all your latest in MMA, Las Vegas sports news, events, previews, and recaps.

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-Kalani Lua – Franchise Sports Media

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