Jussier Formiga has been facing the best flyweights in the world before the UFC ever even considered having a 125-pound division. It’s been a long journey to his current position – slotted as the No. 1 contender in the UFC’s official rankings – and Formiga believes the journey has prepared him to capitalize on the opportunity.

“I’ve been in the UFC since 2012,” Formiga told MMA Junkie in his native Portuguese. “It’s been almost seven years of facing the best-ranked fighters, including the current champion, Henry Cejudo. I had some important wins and losses, such as the split-decision loss to Cejudo. It could have gone either way. It was a hard-fought battle. And there was the loss to Ray Borg in Brazil, which still doesn’t sit well with me. But it’s no use to cry over spilled milk. I’m in a great place in my career.

“I’ve been able to adjust some things. I’ve been able to evolve much, especially in regards to my striking. I’m feeling very confident going into my next bout.”

Formiga (22-5 MMA, 8-4 UFC) faces Deiveson Figueiredo (15-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) on the main card of Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 6, which streams live on ESPN+ from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. It’s a great fight on paper, with Formiga sitting at No. 5 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie MMA flyweight rankings, and Figueiredo checking in just behind at No. 6.

Formiga wishes he wasn’t facing a fellow Brazilian but realizes the opportunity requires him to put those feelings aside.

“Deiveson is an excellent fighter,” Formiga said. “Unfortunately, I have to face a Brazilian this time. We don’t like doing that. The only Brazilian opponent I’ve ever had was Wilson Reis. But … we were already on a collision course. I’ll fight him. I want to and I will prove to the fans why I’m the No. 1 contender. Some people are speculating about Joseph Benavidez, but Joe already had two chances against Demetrious Johnson. I feel I’m much more deserving. I’ll prove it to everyone.

“Deiveson is a high-level opponent with some good knockout wins, but I’ve faced tougher strikers in the UFC. Of course, I won’t underestimate him. I’m sharpening my tools, and I’ll be ready for him.”

Formiga has been spent the past year living in Florida and training with American Top Team and believes the time has readied him to compete with the absolute best in the world. And while the UFC still seems unwilling to guarantee the future of the flyweight division, Formiga said he believes that Cejudo’s performance as champion thus far will help guarantee the weight class’ future.

And Formiga plans to capitalize on that.

“I’m not worried about the flyweight division possibly being abolished,” Formiga said. “The media made a lot of noise about that. Cejudo was just able to prove that he’s a great flyweight by defeating T.J. Dillashaw, who’s one of the UFC’s top fighters, pound-for-pound. After beating Deiveson, I’ll be on a four-fight winning streak. There’s nothing else to do after that, other than waiting for Cejudo. It’s impossible that I wouldn’t be next.

“Deiveson is an excellent opponent, who’s undefeated, but he’s pretty new in the UFC, and I’m not about to let him take my spot. I respect him, a fellow Brazilian, but I’m more deserving of the next title shot. This is my moment.”

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