Sandhagen Vs. Figueiredo: UFC Fight Night Predictions And Analysis

Rajiv Sharma

5 min read

Post on May 04, 2025

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Cory Sandhagen's Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Exceptional Striking: Sandhagen possesses a diverse striking arsenal, utilizing effective combinations, powerful kicks, and devastating spinning attacks. His accuracy and precision make him a constant threat on the feet. Sandhagen's striking is a significant weapon in his arsenal, often leaving opponents guessing. He’s particularly effective at utilizing feints to set up his powerful strikes. Think lightning-fast jabs, crisp crosses, and spinning back kicks that have earned him highlight-reel finishes. His Sandhagen striking style is a thing of beauty for MMA fans.

• Elusive Movement: His movement and footwork are top-tier in the UFC, making him difficult to hit cleanly. He uses angles and lateral movement effectively. Sandhagen's footwork is a key component of his defensive strategy. He expertly uses lateral movement and changes in distance to avoid incoming strikes, often creating openings for his own attacks. This elusive style makes him a frustrating opponent to engage.

• Improved Takedown Defense: While historically vulnerable to takedowns, Sandhagen has demonstrated significant improvement in his takedown defense in recent fights. This improved Sandhagen takedown defense has significantly enhanced his overall game, allowing him to focus more on his striking. He’s actively working to negate his earlier weaknesses in this area.

Weaknesses:

• Ground Game Vulnerabilities: Although improved, his grappling remains a potential weakness against elite wrestlers. While Sandhagen’s takedown defense has improved, his ground game remains an area where a skilled grappler like Moreno could exploit vulnerabilities. He's less comfortable on the mat, and prolonged grappling exchanges could be detrimental.

• Power Disparity: Compared to some top flyweights, he may lack the same one-punch knockout power. While Sandhagen can certainly inflict damage, a single devastating blow is not a consistent part of his arsenal. This could be a factor in a prolonged fight.

Brandon Moreno's Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• World-Class Grappling: Moreno is a highly accomplished wrestler and grappler, proficient in both takedowns and submissions. His ground control is exceptional. Moreno's grappling is arguably his biggest strength, a significant advantage in a fight against Sandhagen. His takedowns are consistently effective, and his submission game is equally dangerous.

• Aggressive Fighting Style: He’s known for his relentless pressure and ability to dictate the pace of the fight. Moreno's relentless pressure forces his opponents to react, often creating openings for him to land strikes or secure takedowns. This aggressive style is tiring for opponents.

• Improved Striking: Moreno's striking has steadily improved, adding more power and accuracy to his arsenal. While primarily known for his grappling, Moreno’s striking has shown significant improvement, adding a dangerous dimension to his overall game.

Weaknesses:

• Chin: While durable, he has shown vulnerability to powerful strikes in the past. Moreno’s chin has been tested in previous fights, highlighting a potential weakness that Sandhagen could exploit.

• Cardio: While generally excellent, extended high-pace bouts could potentially test his stamina. Although Moreno generally displays excellent cardio, a high-paced fight against Sandhagen could potentially test the limits of his stamina.

Fight Prediction and Analysis

Statistical Comparison: (Hypothetical data for illustrative purposes) Let's assume Sandhagen lands significantly more significant strikes per minute (4.5 vs 3.0), but Moreno has a higher takedown accuracy (50% vs 30%).

Potential Fight Scenarios: The fight could play out in several ways. Sandhagen might try to keep the fight standing, using his superior striking to outpoint Moreno. Alternatively, Moreno could look for takedowns early and often, aiming for a ground-and-pound victory or submission. A combination of both is also likely, with periods of striking interspersed with grappling exchanges.

Prediction: Based on the analysis, we predict a close fight, but slightly favor Moreno due to his superior grappling and relentless pressure. Sandhagen's improved takedown defense will be crucial, but Moreno’s ability to control the pace and potentially take the fight to the ground could be the deciding factor.

Betting Odds and Value

Current Odds: (Hypothetical data for illustrative purposes) Let's assume Sandhagen is a slight underdog at +130, while Moreno is the favorite at -150.

Value Bets: Based on our analysis, a bet on Moreno might offer good value given his grappling advantage. However, a prop bet on Sandhagen to land more significant strikes could also be considered. (Disclaimer: Gamble responsibly. Betting involves risk, and you could lose money.)

Conclusion

The Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo UFC Fight Night bout promises to be a thrilling contest showcasing elite-level skills and strategic depth. Both fighters possess unique strengths and weaknesses, making it a difficult fight to predict with certainty. Based on our analysis, we slightly favor Moreno due to his superior grappling. Regardless of the outcome, this fight is one you won't want to miss! Tune in and let us know your own Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo predictions in the comments below. Remember to check out our other UFC Fight Night predictions and analyses for more insightful coverage.