Scores were settled, statements were made, and highlights were delivered at UFC 320 on Oct. 5. But one question remains: who on earth can stop Merab Dvalishvili?
The bantamweight champ coasted to a unanimous decision victory over Cory Sandhagen, pushing his unbeaten streak to 14 — a run dating back to Sept. 2018 — and tying the division record with his third successful title defense.
Dvalishvili has already dispatched each of the division’s top four contenders, clearing the way for a new challenger to emerge. But in the ever-competitive 135-pound division, it could take a statement performance — or two — for someone to earn a shot at the throne.
One such opportunity could come Saturday night at UFC Fight Night: Oliveira vs. Gamrot, when No. 6 Deiveson Figueiredo takes on No. 15 Montel Jackson in the co-main event.
Figueiredo looks to re-join the victory column as his window to become a two-division champ narrows, while Jackson enters with the momentum of a six-fight win streak.
Jackson is a heavy -278 moneyline favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, with Figueiredo listed as a +225 underdog. The total is set at 2.5 rounds. Here’s my best bet for Saturday’s bantamweight showdown.
Montel Jackson to Win By KO/TKO/DQ (+250)
Figueiredo (24-5-1) bulked up to 135 pounds in 2023 after a dominant reign as flyweight champion. He made an emphatic first impression at bantamweight, rattling off three straight wins over Rob Font, Cody Garbrandt, and Marlon Vera — all within nine months. But that would be the peak of his run. He was bested by Petr Yan in November 2024, then suffered a knee injury against Cory Sandhagen in May, in what proved to be a No. 1 contender fight.
He remains a highly skilled veteran with a first-class resume that includes nine knockouts and nine submissions. But now at 37, “Figgy” finds himself battling father time as much as his next opponent.
That makes Saturday’s task especially steep against his surging opponent.
Jackson (15-2) broke into the UFC in Dec. 2018 and rides an impressive six-fight win streak into Saturday night’s co-main event. That torrid stretch includes three unanimous decisions and three first-round knockouts — part of his eight total KOs. Living up to his nickname, “Quik” flatlined Da’Mon Blacksheer in just 18 seconds in July 2024 — the second fastest knockout in UFC bantamweight history.
He last appeared on the same card as Figueiredo vs. Sandhagen, taking down previously undefeated Peruvian Daniel Marcos (17-1) via unanimous decision. It was a well-rounded showing: Jackson outstruck his opponent 67-to-24, secured two takedowns, and amassed 3:37 minutes of control time.
The only thing stalling his rise through the rankings has been his activity, or lack thereof. Saturday will mark the first time Jackson has fought more than once in a calendar year since 2021.
This bantamweight clash features two highly-skilled, well-rounded fighters — both capable of elite striking and world-class grappling. However, one factor is difficult to ignore: the overwhelming size discrepancy. Jackson is five inches taller than Figueiredo with a seven-inch reach advantage.
A statement victory over a former world champion could finally catapult Jackson into the title conversation. Already the more aggressive fighter, Jackson should employ his size advantage to press the action and hunt for a finish.
