Figuereido, who defeated Rob Font via unanimous decision at UFC Austin, discussed his desire to face some of the bantamweight division’s biggest names in an exclusive interview with Sherdog.com.
"Font had great fights with former champions and some top of the division,” he said. “Many people thought I was too small for him, and I showed what I'm capable of when I’m happy and healthy.
“As a former champion, if UFC wanted to set me up to challenge for the title I would surprise many fans again. [Sean] O’Malley is an excellent striker, but I believe a lot in my team’s strategy. When I enter the Octagon I love to exchange, but against O'Malley I believe my jiu-jitsu would make the difference. If I get a hold of him, I would submit him.”
Figueiredo realizes that the UFC is more likely to want him to face another Top 10 opponent next, and he has targeted three potential options.
"The division is very strong. My focus now is to keep training everyday, evolving my technique and always being healthy and ready to accept any UFC call,” he said. “If I’m not going to face the current champion now, I think we have a couple of interesting possibilities for former champions like Aljamain Sterling, Dominick Cruz or Petr Yan. Any of them would make sense for me. It’s up to UFC.”