Figueiredo unhappy about interim title match, wants pay raise to stay at flyweight

Reigning UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo wasn't pleased to learn about an interim title fight set for UFC 277 on July 30.

"That was bullshit," Figueiredo said, according to MMA Fighting's Guilherme Cruz. "I've saved a main event in the UFC, doing the quickest turnaround in the history of the UFC as a champion, and now I'm getting ripped off. The belt is mine. There's no other belt, except for this plastic belt, this joke they're doing between Brandon Moreno and Kai Kara-France."

The 125-pound division titleholder is recovering from injuries to both of his hands. He defeated Moreno in his most recent appearance in the Octagon, walking away with the belt following his unanimous decision victory at UFC 270.

The Brazilian fighter believes there was a miscommunication between his camp and the promotion regarding his recovery timeline.

"I'm very upset, and I'll send the UFC all the exams I have that prove my injury because I've heard that they haven't received these documents," Figueiredo said.

The promotion's decision to hold an interim title fight isn't the only issue bothering the flyweight champ. Figueiredo is also considering moving up in division if he doesn't receive a pay increase.

"I'll stay in the flyweight (division) if they increase my purse," he said.

Figueiredo noted that he previously planned to move up in weight class following three more fights at flyweight. But with the announcement of an interim title fight, he's now weighing all his options.