UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen Vs. Figueiredo – A Fighter-by-Fighter Breakdown

Kenji Nakamura

5 min read

Post on May 04, 2025

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Cory Sandhagen's Strengths and Weaknesses

Cory "The Sandman" Sandhagen enters the octagon with a reputation for his dynamic striking and electrifying performances. Let's dissect his strengths and weaknesses to understand his chances against Moreno.

Striking Prowess

Sandhagen's striking is a thing of beauty.

• Exceptional footwork: His movement is fluid and unpredictable, making him a difficult target to hit.
• Devastating spinning attacks: He's known for his creativity and power in spinning back kicks and elbows, which have earned him highlight-reel knockouts.
• Power in his punches: While not a one-punch knockout artist, he possesses significant power, particularly in combinations.

However, his striking game isn't without flaws:

• Potential weaknesses against wrestlers: Sandhagen's striking-focused style can be exploited by wrestlers who can take him down and negate his striking advantage. His performance against Aljamain Sterling highlighted this vulnerability.
• Chin vulnerability: While generally durable, Sandhagen has shown moments of vulnerability to power punches in the past. This is an area Moreno could potentially exploit.

Grappling Game

Sandhagen's grappling is a work in progress. While his takedown defense is relatively strong, it's not his primary strength.

• Relatively strong takedown defense: He's shown the ability to stuff takedowns, particularly against less accomplished wrestlers.
• Submission skills: He possesses some submission skills, but they are not a major part of his game plan.
• Areas needing improvement: His ground game needs further development to compete with elite grapplers like Moreno.

Recent Form & Potential for Success

Sandhagen has shown inconsistency in his recent fights, alternating between impressive wins and surprising losses. His ability to adapt his strategy based on his opponent's strengths and weaknesses will be crucial in this fight. Any improvements in his grappling defense will significantly boost his chances of victory.

Brandon Moreno's Strengths and Weaknesses

Brandon "The Assassin Baby" Moreno is the current UFC Flyweight champion, and his grappling prowess is legendary. Let's examine his assets and liabilities.

Ground Game Dominance

Moreno's grappling is arguably the best in the flyweight division.

• Excellent wrestling skills: He excels at taking opponents down and controlling them on the ground.
• Superior ground control: Once he secures a takedown, he's incredibly adept at maintaining dominant positions.
• High submission rate: His submission skills are exceptional, with a knack for finding submissions from various positions.

However, his reliance on the ground game presents vulnerabilities:

• Potential weaknesses in his striking defense: While his striking has improved, it's still not his strongest area. A powerful striker could potentially hurt him before he can secure a takedown.
• Reliance on grappling: His over-reliance on grappling could backfire against a skilled striker who can keep the fight standing.
• Fatigue in later rounds: In some of his past fights, Moreno has shown signs of fatigue in later rounds, which could impact his performance against a durable opponent like Sandhagen.

Striking Ability

Moreno's striking has significantly improved over the years.

• Good boxing fundamentals: He possesses solid boxing technique and can effectively use his jab to set up takedowns or combinations.
• Improved striking in recent fights: His striking accuracy and power have increased considerably.
• Limitations in power compared to other fighters in the division: He lacks the explosive power of some of the other top contenders.

Championship Experience & Mental Fortitude

Moreno's championship experience gives him a significant mental advantage. His calm demeanor and ability to handle pressure are invaluable assets. His mental resilience is a crucial component in his success.

Undercard Analysis: Key Fights to Watch

The UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo card features several other exciting matchups. The co-main event features Tatsuro Taira, a rising prospect known for his aggressive grappling, against Edgar Cháirez, a striker with a solid chin and powerful punches. This promises to be a thrilling clash of styles. Another interesting fight to watch is between Denise Gomes, a dangerous Muay Thai specialist, and Yazmin Jauregui, a wrestler with significant ground control skills.

Prediction and Betting Odds

Based on this analysis, I predict that Brandon Moreno will win this fight, likely by decision or submission. Moreno's superior grappling and championship experience give him a significant edge. While Sandhagen poses a threat with his striking, Moreno's takedown defense and ground control are too much to overcome. Current betting odds (check your preferred sportsbook for the latest updates) will reflect this sentiment, though the excitement surrounding Sandhagen could provide value for those who dare to bet against the champion.

Conclusion: UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo – Final Thoughts and Call to Action

In summary, Moreno's grappling expertise and championship experience offer him a significant advantage over Sandhagen's striking prowess. While Sandhagen's explosive offense presents a danger, Moreno's superior ground game and improved striking defense likely will prevail. Share your UFC Fight Night predictions and engage in discussions about the upcoming UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo event! Let's discuss your Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo analysis and UFC Fight Night breakdown! What are your thoughts on this much-anticipated event? The anticipation is palpable, and this UFC Fight Night promises to deliver an unforgettable night of fights!