Sandhagen Vs. Figueiredo UFC Fight Night: Predictions, Odds Comparison, And Fighter Analysis

Kenji Nakamura

6 min read

Post on May 05, 2025

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Cory Sandhagen Fighter Analysis

Strengths:

Cory Sandhagen possesses a well-rounded skillset that makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone. His striking is arguably his biggest asset:

• Exceptional striking precision and power: Sandhagen’s striking is characterized by its accuracy and surprising power. He consistently lands significant strikes, often using unorthodox angles and techniques to catch opponents off guard. His knockout power is a real threat.
• Dynamic movement and elusive footwork: His footwork is exceptional, allowing him to slip punches and maintain a safe distance while countering effectively. This makes him a difficult target to hit cleanly.
• Dangerous spinning attacks and unorthodox techniques: Sandhagen frequently incorporates spinning attacks and other unpredictable techniques into his striking arsenal, keeping opponents guessing and creating openings for devastating strikes. This unpredictability is a significant advantage.
• Improved wrestling and takedown defense: While primarily a striker, Sandhagen has demonstrably improved his wrestling and takedown defense, making him a more complete fighter and less vulnerable to takedown attempts.
• Experience against high-level competition: Sandhagen has faced and defeated some of the best fighters in the UFC, showcasing his durability and ability to perform under pressure. This experience is invaluable.

Weaknesses:

Despite his strengths, Sandhagen does have some vulnerabilities:

• Can be susceptible to grappling pressure from strong wrestlers: While his takedown defense has improved, a dominant wrestler who can control the clinch and maintain top position could potentially neutralize his striking advantage.
• Occasional lapses in defensive awareness: At times, Sandhagen can become overly aggressive, leading to lapses in defensive awareness that could be exploited by a savvy opponent.
• Might struggle against a superior wrestler with a strong clinch game: A wrestler capable of consistently taking him down and controlling the fight on the mat could pose a significant challenge.
• Historically, has had issues against fighters who can manage distance effectively: Opponents who effectively manage the distance and prevent him from closing the gap can disrupt his offensive rhythm.

Brandon Moreno Fighter Analysis

Strengths:

Brandon Moreno, the current UFC flyweight champion, brings a different style to the octagon:

• Exceptional grappling skills and submissions: Moreno is a highly skilled grappler with a dangerous submission game. His ability to take opponents down and secure submissions is a major threat.
• Relentless pressure and aggressive fighting style: Moreno constantly applies pressure, forcing opponents to fight at his pace. This relentless aggression wears down opponents.
• High fight IQ and adaptability: He shows excellent adaptability throughout a fight, adjusting his strategy as needed to exploit his opponent's weaknesses.
• Proven ability to finish fights: Moreno has a proven ability to finish fights both by submission and strikes. He's a dangerous finisher.
• Experience at the highest level of UFC competition: As a former champion, Moreno’s experience at the highest level is undeniable.

Weaknesses:

However, Moreno isn’t without vulnerabilities:

• Striking defense can be exploited by accurate strikers: While his striking is improving, his defense can be susceptible to accurate and powerful strikers.
• Can be susceptible to leg kicks: Moreno's leg kicks can be targeted, potentially slowing him down and hindering his mobility.
• A potential gas tank issue in longer fights: In some longer fights, there have been suggestions of him possibly gassing out, indicating a potential weakness in his cardio.
• Historically has shown vulnerabilities to powerful strikers: Powerful strikers who can land significant strikes have posed challenges to Moreno in the past.

Odds Comparison and Betting Predictions

Betting Odds from Major Sportsbooks:

Prediction Analysis:

Based on the fighter analysis and odds comparison, a slight edge is given to Brandon Moreno. While Sandhagen possesses devastating striking, Moreno's relentless pressure, superior grappling, and adaptability make him a difficult matchup. Moreno's ability to control the pace and potentially take the fight to the ground presents a significant challenge for Sandhagen. The prediction is a Moreno victory by decision, though a submission win is not entirely out of the realm of possibility. Sandhagen’s best chance lies in maintaining distance, landing precise strikes, and avoiding the clinch.

Fight Breakdown and Potential Scenarios

Sandhagen's Game Plan:

Sandhagen needs to prioritize his striking accuracy and distance management. He needs to utilize his speed and movement to avoid being taken down and maintain a safe distance to land his powerful strikes. A strong focus on leg kicks could also disrupt Moreno's aggression and mobility.

Figueiredo's Game Plan:

Moreno's game plan will likely involve applying relentless pressure, closing the distance, and utilizing his superior grappling to control the fight. He'll aim to take Sandhagen down, maintain top control, and look for submissions or ground and pound opportunities.

Key Matchups:

The key matchup will be Sandhagen's striking versus Moreno's grappling. If Sandhagen can effectively keep the fight standing and land significant strikes, he has a chance. However, if Moreno can secure takedowns and control the ground game, he's likely to win.

Potential Turning Points:

Key moments could include early takedown attempts by Moreno, Sandhagen's ability to land clean strikes early, and the fighters' gas tanks in the later rounds. A successful takedown by Moreno early in the fight could significantly shift the momentum.

Conclusion

The Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo UFC Fight Night promises to be a thrilling contest. This analysis has provided an in-depth look at both fighters, a comparison of betting odds, and predictions based on their strengths and weaknesses. While a definitive outcome is always uncertain in MMA, understanding the fighters' styles and potential game plans helps in making informed decisions. Ultimately, the fight itself will decide who will triumph. Now it’s your turn to analyze the information and make your prediction for the exciting Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo fight! Don't miss this incredible event – place your bets and enjoy the action!