UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen Vs. Figueiredo - Preview & Predictions

Kenji Nakamura

4 min read

Post on May 04, 2025

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Cory Sandhagen's Strengths and Weaknesses

Cory Sandhagen enters the octagon as a dangerous striker with a rapidly evolving game.

Striking Prowess

Sandhagen is known for his dynamic and unorthodox striking. His powerful kicks and exceptional range keep opponents guessing.

• Exceptional range: Sandhagen utilizes his reach effectively, landing strikes from a distance while remaining elusive.
• Devastating leg kicks: His leg kicks are a significant weapon, capable of slowing down opponents and creating openings for further strikes.
• Elusive movement: Sandhagen's footwork and agility make him a difficult target to hit cleanly.
• Precise counters: He’s adept at reading his opponent's attacks and countering with devastating precision.

Grappling Game

While predominantly a striker, Sandhagen's grappling has improved significantly. His takedown defense and ground and pound are increasingly effective.

• Improved takedown defense: He's shown significant improvement in defending takedowns, limiting opponents' opportunities to take the fight to the ground.
• Effective ground and pound: When he does secure top position, he's capable of inflicting significant damage with his ground and pound.
• Submission threat: Although not his primary focus, he possesses submission skills that pose a threat to less experienced grapplers.

Potential Weaknesses

Sandhagen's aggressive, sometimes reckless striking style can leave him vulnerable.

• Susceptible to well-timed takedowns: His focus on striking can leave him open to well-timed takedowns from strong wrestlers.
• Occasional lapses in defensive awareness: In moments of aggression, he can sometimes neglect his defensive responsibilities, creating openings for his opponents.

Brandon Moreno's Strengths and Weaknesses

Brandon Moreno, the former UFC Flyweight Champion, brings a formidable grappling game and technical striking to the fight.

Submission Expertise

Moreno is a submission specialist renowned for his suffocating grappling and relentless pressure.

• Expert-level submissions: He possesses a diverse submission arsenal, including rear-naked chokes, guillotines, and armbars.
• Exceptional ground control: Once he secures a dominant position, he is incredibly difficult to escape from.
• Relentless pressure: He consistently applies pressure, making it difficult for opponents to breathe or mount any significant offense.

Striking Accuracy and Power

While not a knockout artist, Moreno's striking is technically sound and effective.

• Accurate and effective striking: He lands precise strikes that accumulate damage over time.
• Good defensive boxing: He demonstrates solid defensive boxing skills, minimizing the damage he takes from strikes.
• Smart striking selections: He chooses his shots carefully, prioritizing accuracy and effectiveness over power.

Potential Weaknesses

Moreno's shorter reach and reliance on grappling could be exploited by a superior striker who can maintain distance effectively.

• Susceptible to powerful strikers who keep him at bay: If an opponent maintains distance and lands significant power strikes, Moreno could struggle.
• Relies heavily on his grappling: If his takedown attempts are consistently thwarted, his offensive options become limited.

Fight Prediction and Betting Odds

This UFC Fight Night headliner presents a fascinating stylistic matchup. Sandhagen's powerful striking against Moreno's superior grappling and relentless pressure. Statistically, both fighters are evenly matched in significant strikes landed and takedown defense. However, Sandhagen's reach advantage and potentially superior striking power could be decisive factors. Our prediction leans slightly towards Cory Sandhagen due to his improved takedown defense and potential to keep the fight at range. However, it is likely to be a close and competitive fight. We must emphasize responsible gambling. Always consult official betting resources and gamble responsibly.

Other Notable Fights on the Card

The UFC Fight Night card boasts several other exciting matchups featuring rising stars and seasoned veterans. [Insert details about other fights on the card, highlighting key matchups and potential upsets].

Conclusion

The UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo card promises an exciting night of combat sports action. While predicting MMA bouts is inherently challenging, our analysis suggests a closely contested fight, with a slight edge to Sandhagen due to his striking power and improved takedown defense. The contrasting styles of Sandhagen and Moreno promise a thrilling main event, regardless of the outcome. Don't miss this UFC Fight Night event and be sure to follow along for future previews and predictions! Stay tuned for our next UFC Fight Night analysis!