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

5 min read Post on May 05, 2025

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

Cory Sandhagen's Strengths and Weaknesses

Cory Sandhagen enters the octagon with a reputation built on dynamic striking and a relentless pace. Let's break down his arsenal and potential vulnerabilities.

Sandhagen's Striking Prowess

Sandhagen's striking is his most potent weapon. His exceptional striking versatility makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone.

Exceptional striking versatility: He seamlessly blends powerful kicks, precise punches, and devastating elbows.
Dangerous leg kicks: Sandhagen utilizes leg kicks to wear down opponents, sap their mobility, and create openings for more damaging strikes. His leg kicks against Song Yadong were particularly effective.
Powerful counters: He's a master of countering, waiting for his opponents to make a mistake before unleashing a flurry of strikes.
Potential for knockouts: Sandhagen possesses genuine knockout power, capable of ending fights with a single well-placed strike. His knockout of Frankie Edgar showcased this power.

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Sandhagen's Grappling Game

While Sandhagen's striking is his primary focus, his grappling is not to be underestimated.

Solid takedown defense: He has consistently shown the ability to avoid takedowns, keeping the fight where he excels – on the feet.
Submission awareness: While not a submission specialist, Sandhagen is aware of submission threats and defends against them effectively.
Potential weaknesses on the ground: If taken down, he's vulnerable to ground-and-pound and submission attempts from skilled grapplers like Moreno.

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Sandhagen's Recent Form

Sandhagen's recent performances showcase a fighter who is constantly evolving.

Recent fight results: Analyze his last few fights, noting wins and losses, and the circumstances surrounding them.
Performance analysis: Identify patterns in his victories and defeats, highlighting areas where he consistently succeeds and areas where he struggles.
Identifying areas of improvement or decline: Assess whether his performance is trending upwards or downwards, and what factors might be contributing to this trend.

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Brandon Moreno's Strengths and Weaknesses

Brandon Moreno, the former UFC flyweight champion, brings a well-rounded game to the cage, renowned for his incredible grappling and improving striking.

Moreno's Ground Game Dominance

Moreno’s grappling is arguably his most significant advantage.

Exceptional grappling skills: He's a master of takedowns, transitions, and submissions.
Submission expertise: Moreno's submission game is particularly dangerous, with a variety of submissions in his arsenal.
Control on the ground: Once he secures a takedown, he's adept at controlling his opponent and inflicting damage from the top position.
Effective ground-and-pound: Moreno effectively utilizes ground-and-pound to wear down opponents and create opportunities for submissions.

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Moreno's Striking Improvements

Moreno's striking has significantly improved in recent years.

Improved striking precision: He's more accurate and efficient with his punches and kicks.
Effective counter-striking: Moreno excels at countering his opponents' attacks, often setting up takedowns or creating openings for his striking.
Power punches: While not a knockout artist, he packs enough power to hurt opponents and keep them honest.

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Moreno's Championship Experience

Moreno's championship experience is a crucial factor.

Experience under pressure: Having fought for and held the championship belt, Moreno has shown the ability to perform under immense pressure.
Championship-level resilience: He's demonstrated incredible mental toughness and the ability to bounce back from adversity.
Adapting to high-stakes situations: His experience will allow him to adapt to Sandhagen's fighting style and adjust his strategy mid-fight if necessary.

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Head-to-Head Matchup Analysis

This fight presents a fascinating stylistic clash.

Key Matchups

The key to victory will depend on several critical matchups.

Sandhagen's striking vs Moreno's grappling: The fight will likely hinge on whether Sandhagen can keep the fight standing or if Moreno can secure takedowns.
Moreno's wrestling defense vs. Sandhagen's takedowns: If Sandhagen can successfully take Moreno down, he could dominate the fight.
Potential for a stand-up battle: If Sandhagen dictates the range and keeps it a striking match, he has a good chance.
Ground control scenarios: If the fight goes to the ground, Moreno is likely to control the pace and search for submissions.

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Predicted Fight Flow

Based on both fighters' strengths and weaknesses, a potential fight flow might look like this:

Rounds 1-2: Moreno will attempt to close the distance and take Sandhagen down, but Sandhagen's superior takedown defense could keep him at bay.
Rounds 3-5: As the fight progresses, Moreno may become more aggressive in his takedown attempts, potentially tiring Sandhagen. A late submission from Moreno is possible.

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Conclusion

Cory Sandhagen's superior striking and takedown defense give him a significant advantage in the early rounds. However, Brandon Moreno's relentless grappling and championship experience make him a dangerous opponent, particularly in later rounds. While Sandhagen's power and speed are undeniable, Moreno's wrestling and submission skills give him a path to victory. Our prediction leans towards Moreno securing a late submission win, leveraging his experience and grappling prowess.

Don't miss the electrifying UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo! Check out our predictions, share your thoughts, and enjoy this action-packed event. Let us know your UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo predictions in the comments below! What are your thoughts on who will win the Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo fight?