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UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo is pushing for a title defense against Kai Kara-France.
Following Kara-France’s win in Columbus over the weekend, Figueiredo made a callout urging the UFC to give Kara-France the next title shot. Now, Figueiredo is once again asking for Kara-France after saying that Brandon Moreno’s camp crossed the line with “racist” posts on social media.
Moreno’s cornermen, UFC bantamweight Marcelo Rojo, previously posted a photo of Figueiredo last summer with a monkey filter on Instagram. Rojo apologized for the incident, but the current champion has not forgotten.
“Dear @danawhite I just wanted to say thank you for the opportunities that you have given me, my family and my country. You know that I would fight anybody, anytime and anywhere,” Figueiredo wrote. “That’s being said, I wanted to fight Brandon Moreno for the 4th 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_entram 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 @kaikarafrance who has earned his spot. #stoptherasicm #weareone”
Reports indicate the UFC is currently planning for Figueiredo to fight Moreno for a fourth time this summer, but the champion is hoping for other plans.
If the promotion sticks to its guns and runs things back with Figueiredo vs. Moreno for a fourth time, it is expected to take place in July at International Fight Week. Moreno and Figueiredo each hold one win over each other with one draw.