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

Rajiv Sharma

4 min read

Post on May 04, 2025

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Figueiredo's Road to Redemption

Deiveson Figueiredo, the former UFC flyweight champion, arrives in Des Moines aiming for a resurgence. His reign at the top of the flyweight division was marked by dominant performances and thrilling finishes. Known for his aggressive fighting style, powerful striking, and devastating submission game, "Deus da Guerra" (God of War) carved a path of destruction through his opponents. However, recent setbacks have shifted his focus towards regaining his former glory.

• Past UFC championship wins and defenses: Figueiredo successfully defended his title multiple times, showcasing his exceptional skills and determination.
• Analysis of his strengths: His striking power, combined with his lightning-fast submissions (guillotine chokes and rear-naked chokes being particular favorites), makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone.
• Weaknesses to exploit: While incredibly powerful, some analysts point to a potential weakness in his chin and a possible drop in stamina in the later rounds of fights.
• Discussion of his motivation for this fight: This fight against Sandhagen represents a chance to prove himself against elite competition and potentially earn another title shot, regardless of the weight class. The motivation is palpable.

Sandhagen's Bantamweight Ascent

Cory Sandhagen, a rising star in the bantamweight division, enters this fight with a significant momentum. He's renowned for his exceptional striking accuracy and knockout power, often utilizing spinning techniques and devastating counter punches. Sandhagen's fight IQ is equally impressive; he possesses a diverse arsenal, blending striking with effective grappling and submission attempts, showcasing a high level of adaptability within the octagon.

• His impressive knockout power and striking accuracy: Sandhagen's striking is both precise and devastating, capable of ending fights quickly.
• His diverse fighting style: This versatility makes him a tough matchup for any opponent. He's not easily categorized, keeping his opponents guessing.
• Analysis of recent wins and losses: A look at his recent fights reveals a fighter consistently improving and adapting his strategy.
• His path to a potential title shot: A victory over Figueiredo would significantly boost his ranking and propel him closer to a bantamweight title fight.

The Clash of Styles: Figueiredo vs. Sandhagen

This matchup presents a fascinating clash of styles. Figueiredo’s aggressive, power-based approach contrasts sharply with Sandhagen’s more calculated, technically precise striking. Figueiredo’s grappling advantage is undeniable, but Sandhagen's striking accuracy and power could prove problematic.

• Figueiredo's grappling advantage vs Sandhagen's striking advantage: This is the key to the fight. Can Figueiredo secure a takedown and dominate on the ground, or will Sandhagen keep the fight standing and utilize his superior striking?
• The potential for a knockout victory for either fighter: Both fighters possess significant knockout power, making a sudden ending a real possibility.
• The likelihood of a decision victory: A tactical battle could easily result in a judges' decision.
• Prediction for the fight outcome: While it's difficult to definitively predict the outcome, Sandhagen's reach and striking accuracy might give him a slight edge. However, if Figueiredo secures a takedown early, he could control the pace and potentially submit Sandhagen.

UFC Des Moines: The Event and its Significance

UFC Des Moines, hosting UFC 288, promises to be a memorable event. Beyond the main event, the fight card features several other compelling matchups, adding to the overall excitement. The event’s location in Des Moines itself adds to the buzz, bringing a major UFC event to a new market.

• Other notable fights on the UFC Des Moines card: The undercard also boasts several exciting fights featuring up-and-coming talent.
• The venue and location details: The specific venue and its capacity contribute to the event's overall atmosphere.
• The expected attendance and media coverage: The anticipation is high, suggesting a large turnout and significant media attention.
• The overall importance of the event for both fighters and the UFC: This event has the potential to greatly impact the rankings and futures of both Figueiredo and Sandhagen.

Conclusion

The Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Cory Sandhagen fight at UFC Des Moines on May 3rd is a pivotal matchup with significant implications for both fighters' careers. The contrast in styles—Figueiredo's aggressive grappling versus Sandhagen's precise striking—sets the stage for a potentially explosive encounter. While a clear prediction is difficult, Sandhagen's striking might provide a slight advantage, though Figueiredo's power and grappling remain significant threats. Don't miss the explosive main event of UFC Des Moines on May 3rd! Tune in to witness Deiveson Figueiredo and Cory Sandhagen battle it out in a fight for the ages. Keep checking back for more updates and analysis of the Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Cory Sandhagen fight and other UFC events.