UFC Fight Night: Expert Predictions For Sandhagen Vs. Figueiredo Bout

Viktoria Ivanova

5 min read

Post on May 04, 2025

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The UFC Fight Night event featuring Cory Sandhagen vs. Brandon Figueiredo is generating immense buzz among MMA fans. This clash of styles promises fireworks, and we've compiled expert predictions to help you navigate the excitement and potentially capitalize on the betting opportunities surrounding this UFC Fight Night main event. This fight pits a dynamic striker against a dominant grappler, creating a fascinating matchup with significant implications for both fighters' careers.

Cory Sandhagen's Strengths and Weaknesses

Sandhagen Striking Prowess

Sandhagen's exceptional striking is his most potent weapon. His devastating kicks, pinpoint accuracy, and lightning-fast combinations make him a serious knockout threat.

• Knockout Power: Sandhagen possesses genuine knockout power, evident in his victories over Frankie Edgar and Song Yadong. His ability to deliver impactful blows from various angles keeps opponents constantly guessing.
• Speed Advantage: His speed and agility are unmatched in the bantamweight division. He uses this to his advantage, creating openings for devastating strikes and avoiding counterattacks.
• Diverse Striking Arsenal: Sandhagen's striking arsenal is incredibly diverse. He expertly utilizes spinning attacks, head kicks, body kicks, and precise jabs, making him a truly unpredictable and dangerous opponent. This makes him difficult to prepare for strategically.

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Sandhagen Grappling Vulnerability

While his striking is elite, Sandhagen's grappling defense presents a potential weakness. He's been taken down and controlled in the past, highlighting a vulnerability that Figueiredo could exploit.

• Takedown Defense Gaps: Although improved, Sandhagen's takedown defense has shown moments of weakness against strong wrestlers. His reliance on his striking can sometimes leave him exposed if the opponent successfully closes the distance.
• Ground Game Limitations: Once taken down, Sandhagen's ground game isn't as developed as his striking. He hasn't demonstrated the same level of proficiency in submissions or ground-and-pound as other top contenders.
• Figueiredo's Grappling Threat: Figueiredo's exceptional grappling poses a significant threat. His takedown abilities and ground control could neutralize Sandhagen's striking advantage if he can successfully take the fight to the mat.

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Brandon Figueiredo's Strengths and Weaknesses

Undisputed Ground Game

Figueiredo's dominance on the ground is undeniable. His grappling skills are world-class, making him a constant threat to secure submissions or control the fight from the top position.

• Submission Expertise: Figueiredo is a submission specialist, proficient in various techniques including rear-naked chokes, armbars, and triangle chokes. His ability to seamlessly transition between submissions makes him a nightmare for opponents on the ground.
• Ground-and-Pound Prowess: Even if he doesn't secure a submission, Figueiredo's ground-and-pound is incredibly effective. He has the power and technique to inflict significant damage from the top position.
• Control and Pressure: Figueiredo excels at controlling his opponents on the ground, preventing them from escaping and maintaining dominant positions to secure points and inflict damage.

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Figueiredo Striking Limitations

While a formidable grappler, Figueiredo's striking is considered his weaker area compared to Sandhagen's prowess. This could be a crucial factor in determining the fight's outcome.

• Striking Style Analysis: Figueiredo's striking is more pragmatic and less flashy than Sandhagen's. He relies on power shots and takedown setups rather than intricate combinations.
• Vulnerability to Speed and Precision: His striking style could be exploited by Sandhagen's speed and precision. Figueiredo's ability to withstand and counter Sandhagen's quick, accurate strikes will be critical.
• Sandhagen's Striking Advantage: Sandhagen's superior striking technique and power present a significant challenge. Figueiredo will need a strong takedown game to negate Sandhagen's striking advantage.

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Fight Style Matchup and Prediction

Style Clash Analysis

The Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo fight presents a classic striker-versus-grappler matchup. The fight's outcome hinges on who can dictate the terms of engagement.

• Sandhagen's Striking vs. Figueiredo's Grappling: Sandhagen needs to keep the fight standing and utilize his superior striking to score points and potentially land a knockout. Figueiredo's success depends on closing the distance, securing takedowns, and controlling the fight on the ground.
• Potential Scenarios: The fight could unfold in various ways – a decisive knockout from Sandhagen, a dominant grappling performance by Figueiredo, or a close, strategic battle that goes to the judges.
• Impact of Judges' Scorecards: If the fight goes to a decision, the judges' criteria will play a significant role. Sandhagen will need to land impactful strikes, while Figueiredo must maintain control and prevent significant damage.

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Expert Predictions

Several MMA analysts have weighed in on the fight, offering diverse predictions:

• Analyst A: Predicts a Figueiredo victory by submission in the later rounds, citing his grappling dominance as the deciding factor.
• Analyst B: Foresees a Sandhagen victory via decision, believing his striking accuracy and speed will be too much for Figueiredo to handle consistently.
• Consensus Prediction: While opinions vary, many lean towards a close fight with a potential upset by either fighter. The fight's outcome remains unpredictable.

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Conclusion

The Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo bout promises a thrilling encounter. Sandhagen's superior striking presents a significant threat, but Figueiredo's potent grappling could be the deciding factor. Expert predictions are varied but lean towards a close fight with potential for a stunning upset. The key will be whether Sandhagen can keep the fight standing and utilize his superior striking, or whether Figueiredo can successfully take the fight to the ground and control the pace.

Call to Action: Don't miss the action! Stay tuned for live updates and results of this exciting UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo bout. Share your predictions for the UFC Fight Night main event in the comments below! Keep an eye out for more UFC Fight Night expert predictions and analyses on our site. Who do you think will win this crucial UFC Fight Night matchup?