Figueiredo drops Vera in decision win, now 3-0 at bantamweight

Former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo defeated Marlon "Chito" Vera via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27) on the main card of UFC Abu Dhabi on Saturday at Etihad Arena.

It was Figueiredo's third consecutive victory since he moved up to the bantamweight division.

In his postfight interview, the Brazilian called for a shot at the bantamweight throne against the winner of the fight between champion Sean O'Malley and Merab Dvalishvili, which takes place at UFC 306 in September.

"Merab. O'Malley. I want to be next," Figueiredo said. "I want to fight for the title next."

Figueiredo became the first to drop Vera in the UFC, briefly knocking him down with a right hand in the third round. Figueiredo used precise striking to pick apart Vera on the feet during what was a competitive matchup. Figueiredo also scored two takedowns.

Figueiredo made his 135-pound debut last December, 11 months after losing the flyweight title to Brandon Moreno. Figueiredo defeated Rob Font and then earned a submission win over former champion Cody Garbrandt at UFC 300 in April. Figueiredo is ranked No. 6 at bantamweight.

Vera, No. 4 going in, is now riding a two-fight losing streak and has lost three of his last four. The Ecuador native challenged O'Malley for the title at UFC 299 in March but suffered a lopsided decision loss.