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

Felix Dubois

4 min read

Post on May 04, 2025

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Cory Sandhagen's Strengths and Weaknesses

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

Striking Prowess

Sandhagen's striking is a thing of beauty. He possesses:

• Exceptional footwork and movement: His agility and precision allow him to evade strikes and create angles for devastating counter-attacks. This makes him a difficult target to hit cleanly.
• Powerful spinning attacks and kicks: Sandhagen's highlight reel is full of spectacular spinning back kicks and elbows that have ended fights. This unpredictable style keeps opponents guessing.
• High fight IQ and adaptable striking game: He's not just a flashy striker; he adapts his strategy based on his opponent's style, making him a very dangerous fighter. He’s shown the ability to adjust and exploit weaknesses.

Ground Game

While primarily a striker, Sandhagen's ground game shouldn't be underestimated:

• Effective takedown defense: He's shown the ability to stuff takedowns and maintain distance. This is crucial against a wrestler like Moreno.
• Opportunistic submissions: Though not a submission specialist, he possesses the skills to capitalize on openings and secure a submission victory.
• Room for improvement in dominant ground control: This is where his game is less developed. While he can defend takedowns, controlling an opponent on the ground is an area for potential improvement.

Potential Weaknesses

Sandhagen’s less-refined grappling could be exploited by a skilled wrestler. His striking, while impressive, might also have some vulnerabilities:

• Vulnerability to wrestlers with superior takedown skills: Moreno's wrestling is a clear threat. If Moreno secures takedowns consistently, Sandhagen's striking advantage diminishes significantly.
• Potential for lapses in defense against powerful counter-strikers: While his movement is excellent, a perfectly timed counter-punch could disrupt his rhythm and create an opening.

Brandon Moreno's Strengths and Weaknesses

Brandon Moreno, the current flyweight champion, brings a formidable grappling game and a steadily improving striking arsenal.

Wrestling and Grappling Dominance

Moreno's wrestling and grappling are his hallmarks:

• Exceptional takedown ability and ground control: He consistently takes opponents down and maintains dominant positions. This is likely his key strategy against Sandhagen.
• Highly skilled in submissions, particularly rear-naked chokes: His submission game is highly effective, and he's shown a knack for securing rear-naked chokes.
• Consistent pressure and relentless pursuit of takedowns: Moreno doesn't give his opponents a moment's rest, constantly pressuring and looking for takedown opportunities.

Striking and Fight IQ

Moreno's striking is developing nicely, but his grappling remains his main strength:

• Improving striking accuracy and power: While not a knockout artist, his striking is becoming more precise and effective, setting up takedowns.
• Effective use of feints and movement to set up takedowns: He utilizes feints and changes of pace to create openings for takedowns.
• High fight IQ, adaptable to his opponent's style: Like Sandhagen, Moreno shows a keen understanding of the fight and adjusts his game plan accordingly.

Potential Weaknesses

Despite his strengths, Moreno's striking remains his most significant weakness:

• Vulnerability to superior strikers who can keep the fight standing: If Sandhagen can effectively keep the fight standing and control the distance, Moreno’s advantage diminishes drastically.
• Risk of over-commitment to takedowns, leaving him open to counters: His aggression can be a double-edged sword, leaving him susceptible to counters if his takedown attempts are unsuccessful.

Fight Prediction and Betting Odds

This is a highly competitive matchup. Sandhagen’s dynamic striking presents a significant threat, but Moreno's grappling and wrestling are likely to be his primary path to victory. The key will be whether Moreno can consistently take Sandhagen down and control him on the ground. If Sandhagen can keep it standing, he has a higher chance of winning by knockout or decision.

Current betting odds (check your local sportsbook for the most up-to-date information) generally favor Moreno, reflecting his championship status and grappling dominance. However, an upset is entirely possible, especially given Sandhagen’s powerful striking ability.

Other Key Fights on the UFC Fight Night Card

The UFC Fight Night Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo card features other exciting matchups. [Insert links to previews of other fights here, if available].

Conclusion

This UFC Fight Night Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo event promises to be a thrilling spectacle. While Cory Sandhagen boasts superior striking, Brandon Moreno’s grappling prowess presents a considerable challenge. The fight's outcome hinges on whether Sandhagen can dictate the range and utilize his striking advantage, or if Moreno can successfully implement his takedown strategy and dominate on the mat. Ultimately, this is a close fight with no clear victor. Don't miss the action – tune in for UFC Fight Night Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo and see who emerges victorious! Check out more of our UFC Fight Night predictions and analysis on our site.