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

Viktoria Ivanova

6 min read

Post on May 05, 2025

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Cory Sandhagen's Strengths and Weaknesses

Striking Prowess and Range Advantage

Cory Sandhagen possesses exceptional striking skills. His speed, precision, and diverse arsenal of techniques are a nightmare for opponents. He expertly utilizes a variety of kicks, elbows, and punches, keeping opponents at bay with his effective range control. Sandhagen's ability to dictate the pace from a distance is a significant advantage.

• Speed and Precision: Sandhagen's lightning-fast strikes often land before opponents can react, creating significant damage accumulation.
• Diverse Arsenal: His striking game is not one-dimensional. He can switch between powerful kicks, precise punches, and devastating elbows with ease, making him unpredictable.
• Range Management: He expertly uses footwork and distance to control the engagement, picking his shots with pinpoint accuracy while avoiding counterattacks. His fights against Frankie Edgar and Marlon Moraes perfectly illustrate this.

Ground Game and Defensive Capabilities

While Sandhagen's striking is his primary weapon, his ground game shouldn't be underestimated. Although not his strength, he possesses competent wrestling and grappling skills, sufficient to defend takedowns and prevent being controlled on the ground.

• Takedown Defense: While not a dominant wrestler, his takedown defense is generally effective, allowing him to stay in his preferred striking range.
• Submission Defense: Sandhagen's submission defense is adequate, though this remains an area where a more dominant grappler like Moreno could potentially exploit weaknesses.
• Ground Striking: Even when taken down, Sandhagen has shown proficiency in utilizing ground-and-pound, often creating opportunities to return to his feet.

Potential Fight Strategy and Style

Against Moreno, Sandhagen will likely aim to keep the fight standing. His strategy will center around utilizing his superior striking range and speed to outpoint Moreno while avoiding takedowns. He might incorporate feints and movement to keep Moreno guessing, disrupting his rhythm. Sandhagen's ring generalship will be crucial in controlling the distance and the pace.

• Maintain Distance: His primary goal will be to avoid close-range exchanges where Moreno's grappling skills become more dangerous.
• Strategic Striking: He will look for calculated strikes, aiming for high-impact blows rather than wild combinations.
• Counter-Wrestling: He will need a strong defensive strategy to shut down Moreno's takedown attempts.

Brandon Moreno's Strengths and Weaknesses

Wrestling and Submission Expertise

Brandon Moreno's wrestling and submission game is world-class. His ability to secure takedowns and transition to submissions is a significant threat to any opponent. He's a proven finisher, capable of submitting opponents with a variety of techniques.

• Takedown Prowess: Moreno's wrestling is a key strength; he can secure takedowns from various positions.
• Submission Artistry: He’s adept at various submissions, including rear-naked chokes, guillotines, and arm-bars, demonstrating his versatility on the ground.
• Control and Ground Pressure: Moreno is effective at controlling opponents on the mat, preventing them from escaping and creating submission opportunities.

Striking and Defensive Striking

Moreno's striking is functional, but it's not on the same level as Sandhagen's. While his striking defense is generally solid, he can be vulnerable to precise and powerful strikers. He relies more on his grappling to close the distance and dictate the fight's flow.

• Functional Striking: His striking serves as a means to secure takedowns or create openings for grappling exchanges.
• Defensive Gaps: Moreno's defense against precise, quick strikes is a potential area of weakness that Sandhagen can exploit.
• Clinch Work: He often uses the clinch to create opportunities for takedowns and control.

Potential Fight Strategy and Style

Moreno's strategy will likely focus on closing the distance and taking the fight to the ground. He will attempt takedowns early and often, aiming to control Sandhagen and secure a submission. His success will depend largely on his ability to neutralize Sandhagen's superior striking.

• Early Takedowns: Securing early takedowns is crucial for Moreno to neutralize Sandhagen's striking advantage.
• Ground Control: Dominating the ground game and preventing Sandhagen from getting back to his feet will be key.
• Submission Attempts: Constant pressure and submission attempts will keep Sandhagen on the defensive.

Head-to-Head Matchup Analysis and Prediction

Style Matchup and Predicted Fight Flow

This fight presents a classic striker vs. grappler matchup. Sandhagen's superior striking range and speed are counterbalanced by Moreno's elite grappling skills. The fight's flow will likely depend on Moreno's ability to effectively close the distance and secure takedowns.

• Early Rounds: Sandhagen will likely control the early rounds with his striking, but if Moreno can land a takedown and control, the momentum will shift.
• Later Rounds: The later rounds could depend on who can better dictate the pace and fight style. Fatigue could also play a role.
• Potential Finish: Either fighter could finish the fight with a knockout or submission. A decision victory is also plausible.

Key Factors Determining the Outcome

Several key factors will influence the outcome:

• Moreno's Takedown Success Rate: His ability to take Sandhagen down and keep him there is crucial.
• Sandhagen's Takedown Defense: Successfully defending takedowns is paramount for Sandhagen's success.
• Sandhagen's Striking Accuracy: Sandhagen needs to land significant strikes early to deter Moreno's takedown attempts.
• Cardio and Pace: The fight's pacing will influence both fighters’ energy levels.

Final Prediction and Betting Odds

Based on the analysis, we predict that Cory Sandhagen will win this fight. While Moreno poses a significant threat on the ground, Sandhagen's superior striking and range advantage, coupled with competent takedown defense, might give him the edge. However, the betting odds will fluctuate closer to the fight and should be considered alongside this analysis. It's important to remember that fight predictions are inherently uncertain.

Conclusion

This in-depth analysis of the Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo UFC Fight Night main event has examined both fighters' strengths, weaknesses, and potential fight strategies. We've weighed these factors to offer a detailed prediction, considering various possible scenarios and key influencing elements. This Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo bout promises to be a thrilling display of high-level MMA skills.

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