UFC Fight Night Predictions: Sandhagen Vs. Figueiredo - Who Wins?

Kenji Nakamura

4 min read

Post on May 05, 2025

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Cory Sandhagen's Strengths and Weaknesses

Sandhagen's Striking Prowess

Cory Sandhagen possesses exceptional striking skills. His "Sandhagen striking" is characterized by pinpoint accuracy, devastating power, and a diverse arsenal. He utilizes powerful punches, lightning-fast leg kicks, and devastating elbows with equal effectiveness. Past performances against the likes of Frankie Edgar showcase his ability to dismantle opponents with a combination of precision and power. His exceptional footwork and ring generalship allow him to control distance and dictate the pace of the fight. However, his reliance on striking could leave him vulnerable to takedowns if overwhelmed by a superior wrestler.

• Exceptional striking precision and power.
• Diverse striking arsenal, including effective kicks and elbows.
• Excellent footwork and ring generalship.
• Potential vulnerability to takedowns if overwhelmed.

Sandhagen's Ground Game

While Sandhagen's striking is his clear strength, his "Sandhagen grappling" is a work in progress. His takedown defense needs significant improvement to compete with high-level wrestlers. Although he shows flashes of grappling skill, his submission game is relatively underdeveloped, presenting a potential weakness against submission specialists.

• Developing grappling, needs improvement against high-level wrestlers.
• Relatively weak takedown defense.
• Limited submission experience.

Brandon Moreno's Strengths and Weaknesses

Moreno's Ground Game and Wrestling

Brandon Moreno's dominance in the UFC Flyweight division stems from his exceptional grappling and wrestling skills. His reign as UFC Flyweight Champion is a testament to his "Moreno grappling" expertise. Moreno displays high-level wrestling takedowns, excellent ground control, and a high submission rate, evidenced by numerous successful submissions throughout his career. His "submission expertise" makes him a dangerous opponent on the ground.

• Exceptional grappling and wrestling skills.
• High submission rate, demonstrated by successful submissions in past fights.
• Excellent ground control and positional dominance.

Moreno's Striking

While Moreno's grappling is undeniably his forte, his "Moreno striking" is comparatively less developed. He often relies on clinches and takedowns to set up his offense rather than engaging in prolonged striking exchanges. His boxing technique is functional but lacks the power and precision of Sandhagen's striking. This makes him vulnerable against powerful strikers who can keep the fight standing.

• Striking is less developed compared to his grappling.
• More reliant on clinches and takedowns to set up his offense.
• Vulnerable to powerful strikers who can keep the fight standing.

Fight Prediction and Analysis

Style Matchup

The "Sandhagen vs. Moreno strategy" presents a fascinating stylistic clash. Sandhagen's superior striking presents a significant threat to Moreno, who needs to neutralize that advantage. The "style matchup" hinges on Moreno's ability to secure takedowns and control the fight on the ground. If Sandhagen can keep the fight standing, his superior striking will likely dictate the outcome. Conversely, if Moreno successfully takes the fight to the mat and utilizes his ground game, he will be the favorite. The "Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo" fight is a battle of strengths and weaknesses.

• Sandhagen needs to keep the fight standing to utilize his striking advantage.
• Moreno needs to secure takedowns to negate Sandhagen's striking power.
• The fight's outcome largely depends on who can dictate the fight's pace and location.

Final Prediction and Reasoning

Based on the analysis of their respective strengths and weaknesses, my prediction for the UFC Fight Night main event is a victory for Cory Sandhagen via decision. While Moreno possesses a potent ground game, Sandhagen's superior striking and ability to control distance could prove too much to overcome. If Sandhagen can effectively defend takedowns and keep the fight standing, he should be able to outpoint Moreno over five rounds. However, this prediction is contingent on Sandhagen’s ability to avoid being taken down. The betting odds will likely reflect this close matchup.

Conclusion

In summary, Cory Sandhagen boasts a significant striking advantage, while Brandon Moreno excels in grappling and wrestling. The success of each fighter hinges on their ability to impose their preferred fighting style. My final prediction remains a Sandhagen victory via decision. Let us know your UFC Fight Night predictions in the comments below! Stay tuned for more in-depth UFC Fight Night predictions and analyses of upcoming UFC events!