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

Viktoria Ivanova

4 min read

Post on May 05, 2025

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Cory Sandhagen's Strengths and Weaknesses

Cory Sandhagen, known for his dynamic fighting style, presents a formidable challenge. His skillset makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the bantamweight division. Let's break down his strengths and weaknesses:

Striking Prowess

Sandhagen's striking is his most potent weapon. He's renowned for:

• Exceptional speed and agility: His lightning-fast movement makes him incredibly difficult to hit cleanly.
• High knockout power: He possesses significant power in his punches and kicks, capable of ending a fight at any moment.
• Creative striking combinations: Sandhagen isn't predictable; he utilizes a wide array of techniques and unexpected combinations to keep opponents off balance. His unorthodox style is a major asset.

Ground Game

While primarily a striker, Sandhagen possesses a respectable ground game:

• Effective takedown defense: He's shown the ability to defend takedowns effectively, preventing opponents from controlling the fight on the mat.
• Ability to scramble and return to his feet: Even if taken down, Sandhagen displays impressive scrambling skills, often quickly returning to his feet and resuming the striking battle.
• Potential for submissions: Although not his primary focus, Sandhagen has shown glimpses of submission skills, adding another layer to his overall game.

Potential Weaknesses

Despite his considerable skills, Sandhagen has areas of vulnerability:

• Vulnerability to strong wrestlers: Against exceptionally strong wrestlers with consistent takedown power, Sandhagen's takedown defense could be tested.
• Occasional lapses in defensive grappling: While generally effective, there have been instances where his defensive grappling has faltered, leaving him open to ground control and submissions.

Brandon Moreno's Strengths and Weaknesses

Brandon Moreno, the former UFC Flyweight Champion, brings a completely different style to the Octagon. His grappling expertise makes him a threat to any opponent.

Ground Domination

Moreno's grappling is arguably his greatest strength:

• Elite grappling and submission skills: He's a master of ground control, possessing a diverse submission arsenal and exceptional ability to transition between positions.
• Effective takedowns and control: Moreno consistently secures takedowns, controlling the fight on the mat and limiting his opponent's offensive opportunities.
• High submission rate: His impressive submission rate speaks volumes about his prowess in securing finishes on the ground.

Striking Improvements

Moreno's striking has evolved significantly in recent years:

• Improved accuracy and power in his punches: He now delivers more powerful and accurate punches, making him a more dangerous striker than in his earlier career.
• Better defensive striking: Moreno has improved his defensive striking, better able to avoid significant damage while maintaining offensive pressure.
• Effective use of counters: He's adept at utilizing counters, capitalizing on his opponents' mistakes to land impactful strikes.

Potential Weaknesses

Despite his improvements, Moreno has some potential vulnerabilities:

• Shorter reach compared to Sandhagen: His shorter reach could put him at a disadvantage against Sandhagen's longer striking range.
• Can be susceptible to powerful strikers: While his defensive striking has improved, exceptionally powerful strikers could still pose a threat.

Fight Prediction and Betting Odds

Analyzing current betting odds from reputable sportsbooks, combined with expert predictions from MMA analysts and commentators, points to a close and competitive fight. Sandhagen's striking advantage is significant, but Moreno's grappling prowess could be the deciding factor. The potential for a late submission by Moreno or a knockout by Sandhagen is very real. Considering the styles, we predict a close decision victory for Sandhagen, but a Moreno submission is entirely possible. It's crucial to remember that MMA is inherently unpredictable; injuries, unexpected strategies, and even sheer luck can dramatically alter the outcome.

Key Matchups and Potential Turning Points

Several key matchups will define this fight:

• Early takedown attempts by Moreno: If Moreno secures early takedowns, he can dictate the pace and potentially secure a submission.
• Striking exchanges at range: Sandhagen's superior reach will be key in these exchanges. His ability to land impactful strikes while avoiding Moreno's takedown attempts will be crucial.
• Sandhagen's ability to defend takedowns: His takedown defense will be under immense pressure, determining how much time the fight is spent on the feet.

Conclusion:

The UFC Fight Night Sandhagen vs Figueiredo fight promises to be an exciting and unpredictable matchup. While both fighters possess significant strengths, their contrasting styles make this a must-watch contest. Our analysis suggests a Sandhagen victory, but the reality is that anything can happen in the Octagon. Don't miss this thrilling event! Tune in to witness the UFC Fight Night Sandhagen vs Figueiredo fight and see if our predictions hold true. For more in-depth analysis and UFC Fight Night Sandhagen vs Figueiredo predictions, check back regularly for updates!