Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Montel Jackson: Live round-by-round updates: UFC Rio: Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Montel Jackson: Live round-by-round updates

Former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo returns in a crucial test against Montel Jackson in the co-main event of UFC Rio.

Figueiredo’s move to bantamweight started promisingly, but back-to-back losses and an injury against Cory Sandhagen have raised questions about his future at 135 pounds. Now 37, the Brazilian remains a fierce competitor known for his explosive striking and submission prowess.

However, this bout may determine whether he can still contend with the division’s rising wave of talent. Fighting in Brazil has often brought out his best, and he’ll need every ounce of that old spark to regain momentum here.

Jackson, meanwhile, represents the new breed of bantamweights. With six straight victories, 'Quik' has steadily built an impressive resume, combining precise boxing with effective grappling.

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His physical advantages, including a significant reach edge, could prove decisive if he maintains range and controls the tempo. For Jackson, this is a breakthrough opportunity to topple a former champion and cement himself as a legitimate top contender.

UFC Rio takes place on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, at the Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Prelims begin at 4:00 PM ET / 1:00 PM PT, followed by the main card at 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT. Stream the event live on ESPN+ or watch prelims on ESPN channels.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for live coverage and play-by-play updates of the event:

Round 1

Figueiredo starts from the southpaw stance and lands good inside leg kicks. Jackson initiates a clinch, and Figueiredo defends it well. Figueiredo ducks inside an entry by Jackson. He gets the clinch and secures an inside leg trip for the takedown. He tries to lock in the figure four, but Jackson defends it well and gets back on his feet. Figueiredo goes high with the right kick, but Jackson defends it well. Figueiredo blitzes in to land a powerful right hand, which barely misses.

Our Score: 10-9 Figueiredo

Round 2

Figueiredo lands an early takedown and attempts an arm triangle choke. Jackson defends it well, but Figueiredo is on his back now. He's fighting the hands well. Jackson gets back on his feet and stifles Figueiredo with a left hand. Jackson lands a good one-two combination. Figueiredo has seemingly slowed down as Jackson lands a check right hook. Good inside leg kick from Jackson. He's popping the jab now and defends a takedown attempt from Figueiredo.

Our Score: 10-9 Figueiredo (20-18 overall)

Round 3

Figueiredo is struggling to mount any significant offense now, while Jackson seems content firing from range. Jackson lands a right hook and straight left. This is Jackson's round so far. He secures a body lock and briefly takes Figueiredo down. The Brazilian springs right back up. Jackson is trying to get in range to land good offense but Figueiredo is content circling away.

Our Score: 10-9 Jackson (29-28 overall)

Official Result

Deiveson Figueiredo defeats Montel Jackson by split decision (28–29, 29–28, 29–28).

About the author

Abhishek Ramadasan Nambiar is a journalist who covers MMA at Sportskeeda. As a long-time practitioner of various martial arts, seeing the fusion of different forms into a quest for the ultimate fighter felt both primal and profoundly technical. At Sportskeeda, Abhishek's primary goal is to offer a fresh and distinctive angle through his writing, aiming to provide readers with more than just the basics of MMA. Along with keeping them informed about the latest developments in the sport, he strives to offer valuable insights that enhance their understanding of MMA.

When not writing about MMA, Abhishek often spends time reviewing music or devouring Brian Evanson's and Blake Crouch's work. Sign up to receive news, regular updates, and exclusive coverage.

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