Figueiredo Called ‘Sacrificial Lamb’ by Sterling for UFC 324 Fight

Figueiredo Called 'Sacrificial Lamb' by Aljamain Sterling Ahead of Crucial UFC 324 Bantamweight Showdown

The trash talk surrounding UFC 324 has reached a fever pitch, courtesy of former Bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling. In a statement that has sent shockwaves across the mixed martial arts community, "Funk Master" labeled his opponent, the former Flyweight king Deiveson Figueiredo, a mere 'sacrificial lamb' intended only to build Sterling's momentum back towards title contention. This highly anticipated matchup marks Figueiredo's definitive step up to the unforgiving 135-pound division, and Sterling's brazen confidence suggests he views this fight less as a challenge and more as a high-profile showcase of dominance.

For those closely following the shifting landscapes of the lighter weight classes, this fight is crucial. Figueiredo, a legend in the 125-pound division, is aiming for immediate relevance among the Bantamweight elite. But standing in his way is arguably the most accomplished wrestler the division has ever seen in Sterling. The "sacrificial lamb" comment cuts deep, implying that Figueiredo is fundamentally mismatched and was chosen specifically because of his vulnerability at this new weight class—a powerful psychological blow delivered weeks before they step into the Octagon.

The Anatomy of a Calculated Insult: Sterling's Rationale for Calling the Shot

Aljamain Sterling is not known for holding back, but his recent assessment of Deiveson Figueiredo's chances is exceptionally sharp. Following his title loss to Sean O'Malley, Sterling is on a mission to prove that he remains the most dangerous contender in the division. He needs a statement victory—a decisive, unquestionable dismantling—to bypass the growing queue of contenders and secure a rapid rematch or a shot at the newly crowned champion.

The 'sacrificial lamb' rhetoric is calculated. It minimizes Figueiredo's impressive resume and focuses entirely on the perceived physical disadvantages of a man moving up a weight class. Sterling argues that Figueiredo, who struggled fiercely with the 125-pound weight cut, will carry his power to 135 pounds, but will ultimately be undersized and outmatched structurally by the natural Bantamweights.

In interviews leading up to UFC 324, Sterling laid out several key pillars supporting his bold claim:

• **Size Disparity:** Sterling believes his frame and reach advantage will be insurmountable. He asserts that while Figueiredo's power was phenomenal at flyweight, it will be average at bantamweight against opponents who cut less water weight.
• **Wrestling Superiority:** Sterling views his grappling as the ultimate equalizer. He sees no scenario where Figueiredo, known primarily for his striking aggression, can fend off his relentless takedowns and top control.
• **Mental Edge:** The weight of transitioning divisions is massive. Sterling suggested Figueiredo's focus will be split between competing and simply handling the speed and size difference, making him mentally vulnerable from the first bell.
• **Career Trajectory:** For Sterling, this is a necessary checkpoint; for Figueiredo, it is a high-risk gamble. Sterling positioned the fight as a guaranteed win needed to reclaim his status as the division's alpha male.

This type of public dismissal puts enormous pressure on Figueiredo. However, it also provides him with potent motivation. Few things fuel an elite fighter more than being publicly written off, especially by a former champion looking to use your name as a stepping stone.

Figueiredo's Difficult Transition and the Stakes at UFC 324

When discussing fighters moving up weight divisions, we often see two extremes. There are success stories, like Robert Whittaker moving from welterweight to middleweight, and cautionary tales, where fighters lose the speed and strength advantages that defined their careers in the lower division. Deiveson Figueiredo's jump to Bantamweight at 135 lbs is perhaps one of the most intriguing and dangerous moves in recent memory.

I recall watching his brutal weight cuts for the Flyweight title fights—especially the incredible tetralogy with Brandon Moreno. The strain on his body was visible. The struggle was not about dedication, but about physics. Moving up was a necessity for his long-term health and career longevity. This necessity, however, introduces a new, physical threat: facing opponents who are naturally bigger and possess power that has never been diminished by severe weight cutting.

The Brazilian powerhouse, known as "Deus da Guerra" (God of War), has built his legacy on raw, explosive knockout power and slick submissions. His primary pathway to victory against Sterling must involve keeping the fight standing and utilizing his striking precision. If he can land clean, he possesses the knockout power to change the narrative instantly.

However, the challenge presented by Sterling is tailor-made to expose the vulnerabilities of a transitioning fighter. Sterling's relentless pace, unconventional striking, and world-class wrestling combine to create a pressure cooker environment. If Figueiredo tires from the wrestling exchanges—a real risk against a bigger opponent—the "sacrificial lamb" narrative will quickly become reality.

The stakes couldn't be higher for Figueiredo. A loss here doesn't just mean a setback; it severely complicates his path to title contention. A victory, conversely, would be one of the greatest debuts in Bantamweight history, launching him directly into the top five rankings and solidifying him as a two-division threat.

• **Figueiredo's Must-Haves for Victory:**
• Maintaining perfect takedown defense throughout all five rounds.
• Utilizing movement and angles to nullify Sterling's grappling entries.
• Landing volume strikes early to respect and slow down the "Funk Master."
• Managing his gas tank exceptionally well, given the move up in weight class and opponent size.

Why This Matchup Divides Analysts: Odds, Implications, and the Path to Gold

While Sterling is doing his best to position this as a squash match, the odds makers and veteran analysts are far more reserved. Sterling is, understandably, favored. He is a former champion fighting in his natural weight class. But the betting lines suggest a healthy respect for the power and unpredictability that Figueiredo brings.

The reason this fight is such a polarizing discussion point is the variable of Figueiredo's power at 135 pounds. If his hands feel heavier, or if the lack of a grueling weight cut allows his cardio to significantly improve, the betting value shifts dramatically. Experts agree that Sterling's route to victory is clear: smothering wrestling and control. Figueiredo's route is more volatile: explosive striking and seizing one key opportunity.

For the Bantamweight division, the outcome of UFC 324 has profound implications:

• **Sterling Dominance:** A convincing win, especially a finish, immediately establishes Sterling as the undisputed top contender, likely setting him up for a final eliminator against the winner of Marlon Vera vs. another top-five contender. It validates his claim that he only lost to O'Malley due to a lapse, not systemic failure.
• **Figueiredo Upset:** If Figueiredo secures the win, the division explodes. He instantly becomes the most compelling narrative in the 135-pound weight class—a two-division champion trajectory that few fighters ever achieve. This outcome would completely derail Sterling's immediate title plans and force the UFC matchmakers to reshuffle the deck entirely.

The narrative of the 'sacrificial lamb' is a powerful tool designed to inject doubt and confidence. But as history shows time and again in the UFC, the fight game rarely follows the script written by pre-fight trash talk. Deiveson Figueiredo has the tools and the motivation of being completely disrespected to make Aljamain Sterling eat his words at UFC 324. The world will be watching to see if the lamb can truly become the lion.

UFC 324 promises to be an event defined by this single, volatile Bantamweight collision. Whether Sterling coasts to a victory on the back of his grappling pedigree, or if Figueiredo delivers a shock KO, this fight is guaranteed to shape the upper echelons of the 135-pound division for the rest of the year. Do not miss this clash of styles and egos.

Figueiredo Called 'Sacrificial Lamb' by Sterling for UFC 324 Fight

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