Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Joseph Benavidez II Expected for UFC Event on July 18th.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

A vacant UFC flyweight championship pairing between recent foes, Deiveson ‘Daico’ Figueiredo, and Joseph ‘Joey Two Times’ Benavidez is expected to take place at a UFC event in July, with MMA Junkie reporter, Mike Bohn revealing July 18th. is planned as the card’s date.

#1 contender, Figueiredo faced Benavidez in the main event of UFC Fight Night Norfolk on February 29th. – securing a second-round stoppage via strikes. The day before the headliner, Figueiredo tipped the scales at 127.5-pounds – making him ineligible to claim flyweight spoils with a victory. In the closing stages of the bout, the Brazilian and Benavidez clashed heads, with a sizeable gash opening on the latter’s forehead.

The victory marked the 32-year-old’s third straight success, following a guillotine win over Tim Elliott, and a unanimous decision win over Alexandre Pantoja. The Para born all-rounder began his Octagon stint back in June of 2017 – scoring four consecutive triumphs. In his one and only promotional, and career loss – Figeuiredo dropped a unanimous decision to compatriot – perennial flyweight contender, Jussier Formiga.

San Antonio native, Benavidez – will make his fifth professional title bout walk, hoping to bring an end to a championship-less run. One of the most criminally underrated contenders in the sport’s history – the 35-year-old has lodged wins over Rani Yahya, Eddie Wineland, Miguel Torres, Ian McCall, Formiga (x2), Dustin Ortiz (x2), Ali Bagautinov, Alex Perez, and former division titleholder, Henry Cejudo. In his other three championship defeats – the submission and knockout artist dropped to both Demetrious Johnson (x2), and Dominick Cruz (x2); two of the most revered competitors in the history of the flyweight and bantamweight ranks.