UFC Fight Night: In-Depth Predictions For Sandhagen Vs. Figueiredo

Rajiv Sharma

5 min read

Post on May 05, 2025

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Both fighters enter the Octagon with impressive records and recent performances. Cory Sandhagen, known for his dynamic striking and aggressive fighting style, is looking to rebound from a recent loss and solidify his place in the bantamweight title picture. Brandon Moreno, the former flyweight champion, aims to continue his dominance in the division after a string of impressive victories.

This article aims to provide in-depth predictions for UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo, considering key factors that will likely influence the fight's outcome.

Cory Sandhagen's Strengths and Weaknesses

Striking Prowess

Sandhagen possesses exceptional striking skills, characterized by his speed, accuracy, and diverse arsenal of techniques. His movement is fluid and unpredictable, making him a difficult target to hit.

• Examples of knockout victories: Sandhagen has showcased devastating knockout power throughout his career, frequently ending fights with a combination of pinpoint strikes.
• Effective use of combinations: He seamlessly transitions between jabs, kicks, and power punches, often catching opponents off guard with unexpected sequences.
• Footwork analysis: His superior footwork allows him to maintain distance, create angles, and avoid incoming strikes effectively.

Ground Game

While primarily a striker, Sandhagen's grappling is improving. He has shown the ability to defend takedowns and occasionally secure submissions.

• Strengths in takedown defense: He has consistently improved his takedown defense, making it increasingly difficult for opponents to take the fight to the ground.
• Submission attempts: While not a submission specialist, he possesses a developing submission game and can secure submissions when the opportunity presents itself.
• Grappling control: While not a dominant grappler, his grappling is sufficient to defend himself from takedown attempts.

Potential Weaknesses

Despite his many skills, Sandhagen has demonstrated vulnerabilities.

• Susceptibility to takedowns: Although his takedown defense is improving, highly skilled wrestlers could potentially take him down.
• Potential issues against aggressive wrestlers: Opponents who aggressively pursue takedowns and maintain top control could negate Sandhagen's striking advantage.
• Weaknesses in his striking defense: While evasive, he occasionally leaves openings in his striking defense which a powerful striker might exploit.

Brandon Moreno's Strengths and Weaknesses

Wrestling and Grappling

Moreno is renowned for his exceptional wrestling and grappling prowess, making him a dangerous opponent on the ground.

• Examples of successful takedowns: Moreno consistently secures takedowns, often using a variety of techniques, controlling the pace and position.
• Ground control and submissions: He excels at maintaining ground control, setting up submissions, and controlling the fight from the top position.
• Wrestling style: Moreno employs a tenacious wrestling style, utilizing both offensive and defensive maneuvers to control the fight.

Striking Ability

Moreno's striking is often overlooked but is a crucial element of his fighting style.

• Examples of effective striking techniques: His striking is characterized by effective counter-striking, precise jabs, and calculated power punches.
• Power punches: Although not a knockout artist, he delivers powerful punches that can disrupt an opponent’s rhythm.
• Effective counters: Moreno is adept at reading his opponents and utilizing effective counters to gain an advantage.

Potential Weaknesses

While incredibly skilled, Moreno has some areas where he is potentially vulnerable.

• Potential vulnerability to Sandhagen's striking: Sandhagen's speed and striking versatility could pose a challenge to Moreno's defense.
• Defensive grappling weaknesses: While offensively adept, his defensive grappling could be tested against a skilled and aggressive grappler.
• Cardio concerns (if applicable): While generally durable, prolonged intense exchanges could potentially test Moreno's cardio.

Fight Prediction and Analysis

Style Matchup

The stylistic clash between Sandhagen's dynamic striking and Moreno's wrestling and grappling presents a fascinating matchup.

• Who will dictate the pace?: Sandhagen's aggressive style will likely push the pace, forcing Moreno to work hard to close the distance.
• Advantage in the stand-up and grappling exchanges?: Sandhagen will likely have a significant advantage in the striking exchanges, while Moreno will aim to secure takedowns and control the fight on the ground.

Key Factors

Several key factors will likely determine the outcome of UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo.

• Takedown defense: Sandhagen's ability to defend Moreno's takedowns will be crucial. If he can keep the fight standing, he has a significant advantage.
• Striking accuracy and power: Sandhagen's accuracy and power will determine if he can inflict significant damage before getting taken down.
• Cardio: The fight’s pace will likely test both fighters' cardio, potentially playing a significant role in the later rounds.

Final Prediction

This fight is extremely close, but I predict a victory for Cory Sandhagen via unanimous decision. While Moreno will likely secure takedowns, I believe Sandhagen's superior striking and evolving takedown defense will enable him to win the majority of the exchanges and secure the win.

• Round prediction: Sandhagen to win a close decision, likely 48-47 or 49-46.
• Method of victory: Unanimous Decision.

UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo – Final Thoughts and Call to Action

This UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo matchup promises to be an exciting display of skill and athleticism. Sandhagen's striking prowess will clash with Moreno's dominant grappling. While Moreno's takedowns will be a significant threat, Sandhagen's improved takedown defense and superior striking could be enough to secure him a victory. The key will be Sandhagen's ability to defend takedowns and control the distance.

My prediction remains a unanimous decision victory for Cory Sandhagen. However, it’s a close call, and anything could happen in the Octagon.

Share your predictions in the comments below! And be sure to check back after the fight for our in-depth post-fight analysis of UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo. [Link to other relevant UFC content on your site]