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

Luna Greco

4 min read

Post on May 04, 2025

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The UFC Fight Night main event featuring Cory Sandhagen and Brandon Moreno is generating significant buzz among MMA fans. This clash of styles promises fireworks, and this article provides in-depth predictions for this pivotal matchup, considering both fighters' styles, recent performances, and potential advantages. We'll break down the key factors to help you decide who will emerge victorious in this highly anticipated battle.

Cory Sandhagen's Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

Cory Sandhagen's striking is his most potent weapon. His Sandhagen fighting style is characterized by exceptional precision and dynamism. He's a master of angles, utilizing a variety of techniques with devastating effect.

• Exceptional striking and precision: Sandhagen’s striking is both powerful and technically refined. He seamlessly blends kicks, punches, and elbows, keeping opponents constantly guessing.
• Dynamic movement and elusive fighting style: His movement is incredibly fluid, making him a difficult target to hit. This elusiveness allows him to land clean shots while avoiding significant damage.
• Improved takedown defense: While previously a weakness, Sandhagen has significantly improved his takedown defense, making him less vulnerable to grappling-heavy opponents.
• Experience against high-level competition: Sandhagen has faced and defeated some of the best fighters in the bantamweight division, showcasing his resilience and adaptability.
• Devastating Spinning Attacks: His spinning back kick KO against Song Yadong is a testament to his power and creativity.

Weaknesses:

Despite his considerable skills, Sandhagen isn't without vulnerabilities. Understanding these Sandhagen weaknesses is crucial to predicting the outcome.

• Susceptibility to grappling pressure from powerful wrestlers: While his takedown defense has improved, powerful wrestlers who can consistently take him down could pose a significant threat.
• Potential vulnerability to submissions: While his striking is exceptional, he has shown vulnerability to submissions in the past, making his ground game a potential area of concern.
• Occasional lapses in defensive awareness: In moments of aggression, Sandhagen can occasionally leave openings in his defense, which savvy opponents can exploit.

Brandon Moreno's Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

Brandon Moreno, the former UFC Flyweight Champion, brings a formidable skillset to the octagon. His Moreno fighting style is built on relentless pressure and exceptional grappling.

• World-class grappling and submission skills: Moreno's grappling is arguably his greatest strength. His submissions are incredibly dangerous, and he possesses a diverse arsenal of techniques.
• Excellent cardio and fight IQ: Moreno consistently maintains a high pace throughout his fights, demonstrating exceptional cardio and strategic awareness.
• Aggressive and relentless pressure: He constantly pushes the pace, putting immense pressure on his opponents and wearing them down.
• Proven ability to perform under pressure: Moreno has consistently performed well under pressure, notably in his championship bouts.
• Effective Ground and Pound: Moreno's ability to transition smoothly from grappling to ground and pound is particularly effective.

Weaknesses:

While Moreno is a dominant force, certain Moreno weaknesses could be exploited by the right opponent.

• Can be susceptible to powerful strikers if he gets caught: While his cardio allows him to maintain pressure, a single well-placed strike could alter the fight's momentum.
• May struggle against exceptionally agile opponents: Moreno's style relies on controlling the pace and distance; highly agile opponents could negate this advantage.
• Occasional defensive lapses in stand-up exchanges: While primarily a grappler, Moreno's striking defense has shown some vulnerability in previous fights.

Style Matchup and Predicted Outcome

The stylistic clash between Sandhagen's striking prowess and Moreno's grappling expertise makes this fight incredibly intriguing. Sandhagen needs to keep the fight standing and avoid being taken down. Moreno, conversely, needs to secure takedowns early and control the pace on the ground.

A key moment will be the early exchanges. If Sandhagen can land significant strikes early, he can potentially deter Moreno from engaging in his grappling game. However, if Moreno successfully takes Sandhagen down, he could dominate the fight on the ground.

Based on their strengths and weaknesses, and considering the Sandhagen vs Moreno prediction factors, we predict that Moreno will win by decision. Sandhagen's improved takedown defense will make it difficult for Moreno to dominate the ground game, but Moreno's superior cardio and grappling acumen will likely win him rounds, leading to a decision victory.

Betting Odds and Value Bets

Betting odds will vary depending on the sportsbook, but generally, Moreno is favored. Always gamble responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose. Consult reputable sources for current UFC betting odds and remember that predictions are not guarantees.

Conclusion

This analysis of Sandhagen and Moreno’s strengths and weaknesses suggests a compelling matchup. Moreno's superior grappling and relentless pressure, coupled with Sandhagen’s susceptibility to takedowns, give Moreno the edge in this fight. While Sandhagen’s striking is dangerous, we believe Moreno's well-rounded skillset and fight IQ will allow him to secure a decision victory. We reiterate our Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo prediction of a Moreno win by decision.

Stay tuned for more UFC Fight Night predictions and analysis! Who do you think will win the Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo fight? Share your predictions in the comments below!