Deiveson Figueiredo Claims Moreno’s Team Made Racist Comments

After three consecutive championship fights, the rivalry between ‘God of War’ and ‘The Assassin Baby’ sits at an unresolved 1-1-1. Their first meeting at UFC 256 resulted in a majority draw. The UFC wasted no time negotiating a rematch for UFC 263 six months later. In their second bout, Moreno (19-6-2) would capture UFC gold with a third round submission.

Figueiredo recaptured his title in January at UFC 270 in a closely contested decision victory. MMA fans immediately clamored for a fourth bout between the two and it appeared that was the UFC’s plan. Now Figueiredo is making his own plans after accusations that Moreno’s team crossed the line with "racist comments."

"Dear Dana White, I just wanted to say thank you for the opportunities that you have given me, my family, and my country," Figueiredo posted on Instagram. "You know that I would fight anybody, anytime and anywhere. That’s being said, I wanted to fight Brandon Moreno for the fourth time because I know this is what the fans want. Until his team crossed the line with racist comments. Calling me a monkey and even going to the extent of photoshopping a monkey"s face on top of mine. You know what I’m talking about, Raul Arvizu.

"When all this happened I went on a campaign to stop racism and prejudice in my city where it is predominately Indians and blacks. As the UFC champion of the world, I ask you to consider my wish. I wish to fight the next contender in line, Kai Kara-France who has earned his spot. #stoptherasicm #weareone"

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Deiveson Figueiredo (@daico_deusdaguerra)

Brandon Moreno’s manager Jason House responded to the claim in a now deleted tweet.

@Daico_Deiveson “Desperado…why don"t you come to your senses?"

Whoever wrote this tweet, please give Deiveson his phone back…and remove your foot from your mouth. No racist comments have been made since you agreed to the 4th fight, so this makes zero sense. pic.twitter.com/kFHEv8oiQt

— Jason House (@JasonKHouse) March 29, 2022

House had tweeted previously a response to Figueiredo’s call to face Kai Kara-France after ‘Don’t Blink’ secured his status as a contender at UFC Columbus with a big win over Askar Askarov. 

Anticipating a fourth bout between Moreno and Figueiredo, Kara-France confirmed his willingness to be the official backup should either fighter find themselves unable to compete.

"Definitely, I can make weight any day," Kara-France told reporters after his UFC Columbus victory. "I’ve changed [where] I’m not blowing up that much after camps. I’ve worked hard on keeping my weight down, and just being a true professional of this sport. Where I’m at in my career, it’s not just what you’re doing in the gym, it’s what you’re doing outside of it as well.

"I’m in a great place. All I know is that [Saturday was] my birthday. I turned 29, it’s the biggest win of my career so I’m gonna celebrate with my team, and I can’t wait to get home to see my family."

The UFC has yet to comment on Figueiredo’s request to face Kara-France over Moreno. Which fight would you prefer to see?

Featured image credit to Embed from Getty Images