UFC Fight Night Predictions: Sandhagen Vs. Figueiredo - Who Wins?

Omar Yusuf

5 min read

Post on May 04, 2025

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Cory Sandhagen's Strengths and Fighting Style

Cory "The Sandman" Sandhagen brings a dynamic and unpredictable style to the octagon. His arsenal is a blend of precision striking and elusive movement, making him a dangerous opponent for anyone.

Striking Prowess

Sandhagen's striking is arguably his most potent weapon. His striking accuracy and power are evident in his use of spinning back kicks, devastating knees, and lightning-fast combinations.

• Devastating Spinning Back Kicks: Sandhagen has repeatedly showcased the power and effectiveness of his spinning back kicks, securing knockdowns and even finishing opponents with this impressive technique. His ability to land these from unexpected angles adds to their effectiveness.
• Precise Combinations: He doesn't just rely on power; his combinations are crisp and accurate, often setting up more powerful strikes. His ability to chain together punches, kicks, and knees keeps opponents guessing.
• High Significant Strike Accuracy: While precise statistics vary depending on the source, Sandhagen consistently demonstrates a high rate of significant strike accuracy, reflecting his precision and timing.

Movement and Agility

Sandhagen's exceptional footwork and agility are key components of his fighting style. He uses movement to create angles, evade strikes, and dictate the pace of the fight.

• Elusive Footwork: His ability to circle away from danger, change levels, and maintain distance is a constant challenge for opponents. He expertly uses lateral movement to avoid strikes and create opportunities for counters.
• Creating Angles: Sandhagen uses his footwork to create angles and positions that allow him to land clean strikes while minimizing his exposure to return fire. This tactical awareness is a significant advantage.

Weaknesses

While Sandhagen possesses many strengths, his grappling defense has occasionally been tested. Opponents with strong wrestling backgrounds could potentially take him down and exploit his ground game.

• Grappling Defense: While improving, there have been instances where Sandhagen's grappling defense has been exposed, leaving him vulnerable to takedowns. Figueiredo's grappling prowess poses a significant threat here.
• Power Punches: While his striking accuracy is high, Sandhagen might be susceptible to a powerful, well-timed punch from a heavier hitter. The power of Figueiredo's strikes is a concern.

Deiveson Figueiredo's Strengths and Fighting Style

Deiveson Figueiredo, the former flyweight champion, is known for his explosive power and relentless aggression. His fighting style is characterized by brutal knockout power and surprisingly adept submission skills.

Explosive Power

Figueiredo possesses devastating knockout power, capable of ending a fight with a single punch. His power-to-weight ratio is exceptional, making him a constant threat.

• One-Punch Knockout Power: Figueiredo has a highlight reel filled with stunning knockouts. His punches are incredibly explosive, often ending fights abruptly. This power is a major weapon in any matchup.
• Aggressive Fighting Style: He doesn't shy away from exchanges; he actively seeks to finish fights with powerful combinations and relentless pressure.
• High KO Percentage: His career knockout percentage reflects his devastating power, highlighting his ability to end fights decisively.

Grappling and Submissions

While known for his striking, Figueiredo's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills are significant. He's a dangerous grappler capable of securing submissions from various positions.

• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Expertise: His ground game is highly developed, with a range of submissions to choose from. He uses his grappling skills to control opponents, secure advantageous positions, and force submissions.
• Ground and Pound: Figueiredo effectively uses ground and pound to wear down and finish opponents once he secures a dominant position on the ground.

Weaknesses

Figueiredo's stamina has been questioned in some of his past fights, and his defensive striking could be exploited by a more mobile and precise striker.

• Stamina: In longer fights, Figueiredo's stamina has shown some vulnerabilities. Sandhagen's ability to keep the fight moving could expose this weakness.
• Defensive Striking: While his offensive striking is exceptional, his defensive striking leaves room for improvement. Sandhagen's precision striking could find its mark if Figueiredo fails to defend effectively.

Head-to-Head Comparison and Prediction

Matchup Analysis

This fight presents a fascinating stylistic clash. Sandhagen's movement and precise striking contrast sharply with Figueiredo's explosive power and grappling. Sandhagen's best chance lies in utilizing his movement and striking accuracy to avoid Figueiredo's power shots while picking him apart from range. Figueiredo will need to close the distance, land early power strikes, or secure a takedown to dictate the fight.

• Sandhagen's Advantage: Speed, precision striking, movement, and superior reach.
• Figueiredo's Advantage: Explosive power, grappling skills, and aggressive fighting style.
• Key Moments: The early rounds will be crucial. If Figueiredo can land a significant early strike, he could end the fight quickly. If Sandhagen successfully avoids early power shots and maintains distance, he can dictate the pace and win on points.

The Verdict

While Figueiredo's knockout power is undeniable, Sandhagen's superior movement and precision striking, along with a potentially superior cardio advantage, give him the edge in this fight. I predict that Cory Sandhagen will win via decision after a tactical and calculated performance, controlling the distance and outpointing Figueiredo.

Conclusion: UFC Fight Night Predictions: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo - Final Thoughts

This UFC Fight Night main event promises an exciting clash of styles. While Deiveson Figueiredo's explosive power is a constant threat, Cory Sandhagen's superior movement, precision striking, and likely superior stamina give him the edge. My prediction stands: Cory Sandhagen wins via decision. But what do you think? Share your UFC Fight Night predictions using #SandhagenFigueiredo! Don't miss this incredible fight; find out where to watch it [link to where to watch the fight]. The excitement of Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo is not to be missed!