Sandhagen Vs. Figueiredo: UFC Fight Night Predictions And Analysis

Henrik Larsen

4 min read

Post on May 04, 2025

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Cory Sandhagen's Strengths and Weaknesses

Cory Sandhagen, known for his electrifying striking, enters the octagon as a significant threat to Moreno. However, a balanced analysis reveals both his strengths and areas for improvement.

Striking Prowess

Sandhagen's striking is a thing of beauty. His arsenal is incredibly diverse and effective.

• Exceptional speed and accuracy: Sandhagen's lightning-fast strikes consistently find their mark, leaving opponents struggling to react.
• Impressive knockout power: He possesses surprising power in his punches and kicks, capable of ending a fight with a single, well-placed blow. Several highlight-reel knockouts showcase this devastating power.
• Effective use of spinning attacks: Sandhagen's mastery of spinning back kicks and elbows adds another layer of unpredictability to his already potent striking game, often catching opponents off guard. This unpredictability is a key element of his fighting style.

Defensive Capabilities

While his offensive skills are undeniable, Sandhagen's defensive game presents some vulnerabilities that Moreno could exploit.

• Vulnerability to takedowns: Sandhagen's defense against takedowns needs improvement. Strong wrestlers have successfully taken him down in the past, disrupting his striking rhythm.
• Occasional lapses in defensive striking: While generally elusive, he has shown moments of vulnerability in his defensive striking, absorbing unnecessary damage.
• Needs to improve his chin strength: Though resilient, absorbing significant strikes could be his downfall against a powerful opponent. Improving his chin strength will be crucial for his future fights.

Brandon Moreno's Strengths and Weaknesses

Brandon Moreno, the former UFC flyweight champion, brings a completely different style to the table, relying heavily on his grappling prowess.

Ground Game Dominance

Moreno's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is world-class, making him a nightmare for opponents on the mat.

• Exceptional submission skills: He’s a master of various chokes and joint locks, possessing a high submission rate. His ability to finish fights on the ground is a major threat.
• Strong takedown ability: Moreno’s takedowns are consistently effective, allowing him to control the pace and dictate the fight's location. His takedown defense is also formidable.
• Excellent ground control: Once he secures a takedown, Moreno excels at maintaining ground control, making it extremely difficult for opponents to escape or reverse position.

Striking Improvements

While primarily known for his grappling, Moreno has made significant improvements to his striking game.

• Increased power and accuracy: His recent fights showcase a noticeable increase in both the power and accuracy of his strikes. This evolution makes him a more complete fighter.
• Improved footwork and defensive striking: His footwork is significantly improved, making him more elusive and difficult to hit cleanly. His defensive striking has also seen considerable improvement.
• Still needs to improve his striking power: Although improved, his striking power still lags behind Sandhagen's. Winning a stand-up battle will likely be a challenge for him.

Fight Style Matchup and Prediction

The Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo fight presents a fascinating stylistic clash. The fight's outcome will hinge on who can successfully impose their game plan.

• Sandhagen needs to keep the fight standing: To win, Sandhagen must utilize his speed and striking range advantage, keeping the fight on the feet and avoiding takedowns at all costs.
• Moreno must secure takedowns: Moreno needs to effectively execute his takedowns, controlling the fight on the ground where his superior grappling skills come into play.
• The outcome hinges on takedown defense and striking accuracy: Sandhagen's ability to avoid takedowns and land significant strikes will be crucial. Moreno's success depends on his ability to secure takedowns and maintain control on the ground.

Prediction: Based on this analysis, I predict a victory for Brandon Moreno via unanimous decision. While Sandhagen possesses devastating striking power, Moreno's superior grappling and improved takedown defense will likely prove decisive. Moreno's consistent pressure and control on the ground will wear Sandhagen down over the course of the fight, earning him the judges' nod.

Conclusion

The Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo fight promises to be a captivating battle between two elite fighters with contrasting styles. Sandhagen's dynamic striking presents a significant challenge, but Moreno's grappling prowess and improved striking could prove decisive. Understanding each fighter's strengths and weaknesses is key to predicting the outcome. Who will emerge victorious? Let us know your Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo predictions in the comments below! Don't miss this exciting UFC Fight Night event! Remember to follow our site for more detailed UFC fight analysis and a Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo post-fight breakdown.