Deiveson Figueiredo Vs. Cory Sandhagen: UFC Des Moines Main Event Set For May 3rd

Luna Greco

5 min read

Post on May 04, 2025

4.8

Share

Deiveson Figueiredo: A Flyweight Force

Deiveson Figueiredo, a Brazilian knockout artist, enters this fight with a reputation built on brutal power and submission expertise. His transition to bantamweight presents a compelling challenge and an intriguing test of his adaptability.

Figueiredo's Strengths:

• Brutal Knockout Power: Figueiredo is renowned for his devastating knockout power. His highlight reel is packed with highlight-reel finishes, showcasing his ability to end fights with a single, perfectly timed strike. Victories against Joseph Benavidez (twice!), Alexandre Pantoja, and Brandon Moreno (in their first encounter) all demonstrate his incredible power-punching ability and status as a true knockout artist. His aggressive style makes him a constant threat, even on the defensive.
• Submissions Expertise: Beyond his striking prowess, Figueiredo possesses elite-level submission skills honed through years of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training. His ground game is a dangerous weapon, capable of securing quick submissions when the opportunity arises. He's shown a knack for securing rear-naked chokes and other submissions, making him a formidable opponent on the mat.
• Aggressive Fighting Style: Figueiredo is known for his relentless pressure and aggressive fighting style. He consistently pushes forward, forcing his opponents to engage and creating opportunities for both striking and grappling exchanges. This high-octane style makes him incredibly exciting to watch, though it can also leave him vulnerable.

Figueiredo's Weaknesses:

• Size Disadvantage at Bantamweight: The biggest question mark surrounding Figueiredo is his size disadvantage at bantamweight. Moving up a weight class means facing opponents with greater reach and potentially more durable frames. This size difference could significantly impact his ability to control the distance and land his power punches effectively.
• Potential Cardio Concerns: While incredibly explosive in bursts, some have questioned Figueiredo's stamina in later rounds of previous fights. Maintaining his aggressive style for a full 25 minutes at bantamweight will be a crucial test of his cardio and conditioning.
• Defensive Striking Vulnerabilities: Despite his offensive firepower, Figueiredo’s defensive striking has shown vulnerabilities in the past. While his aggressive style often overwhelms opponents, a more calculated and technical striker could potentially exploit gaps in his defense.

Cory Sandhagen: The Bantamweight Contender

Cory Sandhagen, a highly skilled and technical striker, represents a significant challenge for Figueiredo. His speed, agility, and evolving wrestling defense make him a very dangerous opponent for anyone in the bantamweight division.

Sandhagen's Strengths:

• Technical Striking Prowess: Sandhagen's striking is his primary weapon. His precise technique, diverse arsenal of strikes, and excellent footwork allow him to control the range and pick his shots effectively. He uses a variety of combinations, including kicks, knees, and elbows, to keep opponents off balance. He's a true technical striker in the best sense of the term.
• Exceptional Speed and Agility: Sandhagen's speed and agility are amongst the best in the bantamweight division. His evasiveness and ability to move in and out of range make him difficult to hit cleanly. This speed combined with his technical striking allows him to control the pace and rhythm of the fight.
• Improved Wrestling Defense: While initially viewed as a primarily striking fighter, Sandhagen has significantly improved his wrestling defense in recent years. This improvement is crucial against a wrestler like Figueiredo, helping to keep the fight where Sandhagen wants it – on the feet.

Sandhagen's Weaknesses:

• Power Punching Potential: While Sandhagen is a highly skilled striker, his power punching isn't on the same level as Figueiredo's. He relies more on technical precision and volume striking to wear down his opponents rather than one-shot knockout power. This could be a significant factor against Figueiredo’s explosive finishing ability.
• Potential Submission Vulnerability: Although his wrestling defense has improved, Sandhagen's submission defense remains a potential area of concern against a submission specialist like Figueiredo. If the fight goes to the ground, Figueiredo's grappling expertise could be decisive.
• Consistency: While Sandhagen is undoubtedly talented, he has displayed some inconsistencies in his past performances. Maintaining a high level of performance and execution against a top-tier opponent like Figueiredo will be crucial for victory.

Fight Prediction and Analysis

This fight presents a fascinating stylistic clash. Figueiredo's aggressive, power-punching style contrasts sharply with Sandhagen's technical striking and evasiveness. The fight's outcome likely hinges on a few key factors: Figueiredo's ability to manage the size difference, his cardio performance, and Sandhagen's success in keeping the fight standing and avoiding takedowns. If Figueiredo can close the distance effectively and land his power shots, he has a strong chance of securing a knockout. However, if Sandhagen can utilize his speed and range, he could potentially outpoint Figueiredo over the course of the fight. Early betting odds will be important to track as the fight approaches. I predict a close fight, with Sandhagen possibly winning by decision due to his superior cardio and technical striking.

Conclusion

The Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Cory Sandhagen matchup promises an exciting and unpredictable main event at UFC Des Moines on May 3rd. Both fighters bring unique strengths and weaknesses to the table, making this a clash of styles that is sure to deliver fireworks. Figueiredo's power and submission skills are undeniable, but Sandhagen’s speed, technique, and improved wrestling defense offer a compelling counter-strategy.

Don't miss this explosive main event! Tune in on May 3rd to witness Deiveson Figueiredo and Cory Sandhagen battle it out at UFC Des Moines. Follow the fight live and share your predictions using #UFCDesMoines #FigueiredoSandhagen. Stay tuned for post-fight analysis and more UFC coverage!