UFC 277: Moreno lines up another Figueiredo rematch after beating Kara-France
- Scott Allen
- 31 July 2022
A devastating body kick from Brandon Moreno secured the interim flyweight title over New Zealand's Kai Kara-France, and lined-up a historic fourth fight with current champion Deiveson Figueiredo.
In a close-fought contest, the 28-year-old Mexican dropped Kara-France in the third round with a thunderous blow to the liver, which he then followed up with a flurry of punches before referee Herb Dean stopped the fight.
"I practiced that kick so many times," said Moreno after the fight. "I worked on it so much."
Following the bout, Figueiredo, who was watching cage-side joined Moreno all but agreed to a historic fourth fight for the undisputed title. The first time any fighters have fought four times in the UFC before.
Moreno fought Figueiredo to a majority draw in December 2020. He then beat Figueiredo by submission in a rematch in June 2021, before losing a controversial decision in their third fight in January 2022.
Figueiredo is currently injured but would welcome the fight in his native Brazil.
"This guy right here, tonight is his night and he is the champion," Figueiredo said, through a translator.
"I have a lot of respect for him ... I want to take this fight home to Brazil."
"I don't hate you," Moreno later replied.
"I don't feel nothing against you. I forgive you. Please forgive me if I did something bad against you. I want to fight in December."
UFC boss Dana White confirmed he is hoping the sport will return to Brazil next year, adding: "We'll see what this crazy world has to throw at us in the next six months."
