However, only Benavidez will get a chance to hold the gold tonight because Figueiredo missed weight for the title shot. Figueiredo?s manager in Wallid Ismail says that his charge was battling cramps and other issues during the failed weight cut.
?He has a nutritionist, Dr. Lia (Correia), and he told her how he was feeling, nausea, a problem in his belly, like cramps,? Ismail said to MMA Fighting. ?And they came to a conclusion that he couldn?t continue cutting weight. But I have to make one thing clear, this guy never missed weight, he always made weight for every UFC fight, and now this happened. He will fight stronger than ever tomorrow to show everybody he deserves to be where he is. In his own words, it?s going to be a war tomorrow.?
This is the first time that Figueiredo has missed weight for a UFC bout and he has previously competed seven times in the promotion.
Ismail also issued the following statement on Figueiredo?s weigh-in gaffe:
"Deiveson Figueiredo was in preparation for the fight with his team, accompanied by a doctor, nutritionist, physiologist, physical trainer and coaches. The weight cut was done appropriately, but he fell ill this morning with a gastrointestinal problem. It was discussed with his doctor and, alongside his team, we chose to preserve the athlete and interrupt the weight cut and rehydrate, with the support of the UFC?s nutritionist. The decision, although difficult, as we were aware that it would not be possible to make weight after rehydration, was made both to preserve the athlete and honor the commitment to the promotion and the opponent."
UFC Fight Night Norfolk takes place tonight from the Chartway Arena in Norfolk, Virginia with Joseph Benavidez and Deiveson Figueiredo headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, which streams live on ESPN+.