By Nick DiNisco

Las Vegas will be the home to yet another big fight card on Saturday night with Deiveson Figueiredo (20-1) and Brandon Moreno (18-5-1) set to headline UFC 256. Figueiredo is coming off an impressive title defense as he made quick work of challenger Alex Perez (24-6). Brandon Moreno is also coming off a 1st round TKO as he headlined the preliminary card at UFC 255. Both fighters accepted this fight right after their round 1 victories only 21 days ago. 

Jumping into an octagon on just 21 days rest is eye-opening and shows the pure confidence that both fighters have. 

For Moreno, it’s easy to see why he accepted the opportunity to fight the champ. For Figueiredo, this is a true testament to the incredible shape that he is in to be able to defend his title again on short rest.

What If’s

Deiveson Figuiredo has shown that he is one of the most talented and accomplished champions in the UFC. He has successfully defended his title three times and Joseph Benavidez is the only fighter that has really given him any trouble.

If Figueiredo can retain his title at UFC 256, he has all the options a fighter could ask for. He can continue to fight any challenger in the division. Hypothetically, fighters from the bantamweight division try and take on the champ. However, many believe that there is no opponent that will be able to take the throne from Figueiredo.

Brandon Moreno is a fan favorite in the UFC. Win or lose, he continues to show his love for fighting. He is a pretty sizable underdog for this matchup but has demonstrated his knockout power in his previous fights.

If Moreno pulls off the improbable win, it truly changes everything about the flyweight division, and a potential rematch would most likely occur next. This would be a victory for Moreno heard around the world, because Figuiredo has essentially remained unbeatable.

Logistics and Odds

Saturday’s card will begin at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN+/ESPN2 with prelims and the main card set to begin at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN PPV. 

Official Las Vegas Fight Odds (via DraftKings):

Brandon Moreno +250

Deiveson Figueiredo -335

Sideline Selection

Moreno is a worthy opponent for Figuiredo and could make for an entertaining first couple of rounds. But once Figueiredo is able to figure Moreno out, it’ll be over for Moreno as I see a KO/TKO in round three of this scheduled five round title fight. 

Figueiredo KO/TKO: +135