Former world No. 1 Jussier Formiga intent on return to top of flyweight division

NATAL, Brazil – There was a time not all that long ago where Jussier Formiga was considered the world’s top flyweight fighter. While he’s had a rough go in recent outings, the submission ace is focused on a return to that position.

“When I was No. 1, it kind of never hit me,” Formiga admitted to MMAjunkie through an interpreter. “That’s the reality of it. But now that the sport has gained such popularity, that’s what I want to do. I want to get back there to No. 1.”

Formiga’s UFC run has been challenging. In his debut, he fought John Dodson, the man currently ranked No. 2 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA flyweight rankings. Net up was Chris Cariaso, who currently sits at No. 14. Then came Joseph Benavidez, who is currently No. 3.

In short, there have been no freebies for Formiga, but he insists he takes the matchmaking as a compliment.

“To me, this is actually a good thing,” Formiga said. “First of all, it means the UFC trusts what I do and trusts my work, so there’s that. Plus, after fighting these guys, I’m ready to fight whoever comes my way. I can fight a guy at the top of the ranks or anywhere else, so it’s actually a good thing.”

On Sunday, Formiga (15-3 MMA, 1-2 UFC) face No. 15 Scott Jorgensen (14-8 MMA, 3-4 UFC) on the FOX Sports 1-broadcast prelims of UFC Fight Night 38, which takes place at Ginasio Nelio Dias in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, and precedes a six-fight main card on the same channel.

Formiga hopes to rebound from a disappointing TKO loss to Benavidez.

“The defeat taught me a lot,” Formiga said. “What happened is I was used to fighting a guy who is either right-handed or left-handed. He came in and was ambidextrous, and that threw me off a little bit and confused me. Now I know this, and I’ve been working to fight guys who are left-handed, right-handed or ambidextrous.

“I’ve been training really hard, and I’m ready for Scott.”

For the 28-year-old Formiga, a win is crucial. Once considered the best flyweight in the world, he was a standout in a division that, at the time, didn’t exist in the UFC. But now that the 125-pounders hold a prominent position in the world’s largest MMA promotion, Formiga is ready to carry that title once again.

“I want to be where I belong, the top spot, and I’ve been working hard to make that happen,” Formiga said.

For the latest on UFC Fight Night 38, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

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