Sandhagen Vs. Figueiredo: UFC Fight Night Predictions And Analysis

Hugo van Dijk

5 min read

Post on May 04, 2025

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The UFC Fight Night is set to explode with a main event featuring the explosive Cory Sandhagen against the formidable Brandon Moreno. This clash of styles promises fireworks, making it a must-watch for MMA fans. This in-depth analysis will delve into both fighters' profiles, exploring their past performances, tactical approaches, and ultimately, offering our predictions for this thrilling UFC showdown. We'll look at key factors including striking, grappling, and cardio to determine who has the edge in this Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo fight.

Cory Sandhagen's Strengths and Weaknesses

Striking Prowess

Sandhagen’s devastating striking power and impressive technical skills make him a dangerous opponent for anyone. His arsenal is a beautiful blend of speed, precision, and power.

• Exceptional footwork: Sandhagen uses his movement to create angles and set up devastating strikes.
• Precise striking combinations: He chains together punches, kicks, and elbows with remarkable accuracy.
• Knockout power: He possesses genuine one-punch knockout power in both his hands and feet, as evidenced by several highlight-reel finishes throughout his career.

His fight against Frankie Edgar showcased his exceptional footwork and ability to land pinpoint strikes, ultimately securing a TKO victory. His striking is a significant weapon in this upcoming bout.

Grappling Game

While primarily known for his striking, Sandhagen's grappling defense and submission awareness are crucial aspects to consider. He's not a submission specialist, but he's adept at defending takedowns and escaping dangerous positions.

• Solid takedown defense: He consistently avoids takedown attempts from opponents.
• Effective ground escapes: When taken down, he displays remarkable skill in returning to his feet.

His grappling, though not his primary focus, is more than sufficient to defend against many opponents, and will be a critical element in negating Moreno's grappling prowess.

Potential Weaknesses

Despite his considerable skills, Sandhagen has shown some vulnerabilities that a savvy opponent like Moreno could exploit.

• Susceptibility to certain grappling techniques: While his takedown defense is good, particularly strong wrestlers could potentially wear him down.
• Potential stamina issues in longer fights: In some past fights, his cardio has been questioned in later rounds.

Figueiredo's relentless pressure and grappling could potentially test Sandhagen's endurance and expose these vulnerabilities.

Brandon Moreno's Strengths and Weaknesses

Dominant Ground Game

Moreno's world-class grappling and submission skills are a significant threat. He is a submission ace with a dangerous ground game.

• Exceptional takedown ability: He shoots for takedowns with exceptional timing and accuracy.
• Strong ground and pound: Once he secures a takedown, he effectively controls his opponent and unleashes damaging ground and pound.
• Dangerous submissions (rear-naked choke, guillotine): His submission game is incredibly diverse and highly effective.

Moreno's submission victories are a testament to his grappling dominance; he's submitted many top-tier fighters. This presents a serious challenge for Sandhagen.

Striking Improvements

While primarily a grappler, Moreno has shown significant improvements in his striking in recent fights.

• Increased striking accuracy: He’s become much more precise and efficient with his striking.
• Improved power: His punches now carry more weight and knock-down power.
• Better defensive striking: His striking defense has become noticeably more refined.

This evolution in his striking makes him a more complete fighter and less predictable than in the past, adding another layer of danger for Sandhagen.

Potential Weaknesses

Moreno's weaknesses, though fewer, still provide opportunities for Sandhagen.

• Potential striking defense issues against elite strikers: While improved, his striking defense against elite strikers remains a potential vulnerability.
• Less experience at higher weight classes: This fight represents a step up in weight class, potentially impacting his performance.

Sandhagen’s superior striking accuracy and power could present challenges to Moreno’s improved but still developing striking defense.

Fight Prediction and Analysis

Style Matchup

The stylistic clash between Sandhagen's striking and Moreno's grappling is the central focus of this fight. It could go either way.

• Sandhagen's striking vs. Moreno's grappling: This is the key matchup. Can Sandhagen keep the fight standing and utilize his striking advantage? Or will Moreno successfully take the fight to the ground and dominate with his grappling?
• Potential for a stand-up battle or a grappling exchange: The fight could unfold as a striking contest or a grappling match, depending on who dictates the pace and range.

The fight's outcome hinges on who can impose their preferred style of fighting.

Betting Odds and Value

Betting odds will vary depending on the bookmaker, but it's anticipated that Sandhagen may be a slight underdog due to Moreno’s grappling advantage. However, Sandhagen's knockout power presents significant upset potential.

Analyzing the odds and understanding the risks associated with each fighter is crucial for informed betting. An underdog victory is always possible in MMA.

Final Prediction

Based on our analysis, we predict that Cory Sandhagen will win via a decision victory. While Moreno's grappling is a major threat, we believe Sandhagen's superior striking, improved takedown defense, and cardio will allow him to outpoint Moreno over the course of five rounds. Sandhagen's ability to maintain distance and land significant strikes will be key to his victory.

Conclusion

The Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo fight promises to be an electrifying encounter. While both fighters possess exceptional skills, our analysis suggests a decision victory for Cory Sandhagen. This compelling matchup presents a fascinating case study in contrasting styles, making it a must-watch event. Don't miss this thrilling UFC Fight Night; tune in to witness the action! Keep up to date with our other UFC Fight Night predictions and analysis for more insightful previews of upcoming UFC events.