Deiveson Figueiredo Vs. Cory Sandhagen: UFC Des Moines Main Event Set For May 3rd

Chloe Fitzgerald

5 min read

Post on May 04, 2025

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Figueiredo's Path to UFC Des Moines

Figueiredo's Flyweight Reign and Recent Setbacks

Deiveson Figueiredo’s UFC journey has been nothing short of spectacular, punctuated by moments of breathtaking dominance and frustrating setbacks. His reign as flyweight champion was marked by thrilling performances and brutal finishes.

• Dominant Wins: Figueiredo showcased incredible power and precision, securing decisive victories against top contenders like Joseph Benavidez (twice!) and Alexandre Pantoja. These fights cemented his status as one of the most dangerous fighters in the flyweight division.
• Championship Challenges: His rivalry with Brandon Moreno was legendary, resulting in a series of back-and-forth title fights that captivated fans worldwide. While he ultimately lost the belt to Moreno, these battles showcased Figueiredo's incredible heart and resilience.
• Aggressive Fighting Style: Figueiredo is known for his aggressive, pressure-heavy style, utilizing a devastating mix of striking and grappling. His finishing power is undeniable, making him a constant threat to any opponent.

The Motivation Behind the Bantamweight Move

Figueiredo's decision to move up to bantamweight is a bold strategic move. Several factors likely contributed to this decision:

• Reduced Weight Cutting: The grueling weight cuts required for flyweight can be incredibly taxing, impacting performance and potentially increasing the risk of injury. Moving up a weight class offers the potential for less strenuous weight cuts, allowing Figueiredo to compete at his physical peak.
• Fresh Opponents: The bantamweight division boasts a wealth of talented fighters, presenting Figueiredo with an opportunity to challenge himself against new, formidable opponents and potentially reignite his championship aspirations.
• New Challenges: Adapting to a new weight class will undoubtedly present challenges. The increased size and strength of his opponents will require adjustments to his fighting strategy and technique.

Sandhagen's Rise Through the Bantamweight Ranks

Sandhagen's Impressive Bantamweight Record

Cory Sandhagen has steadily climbed the bantamweight ladder, showcasing exceptional striking skills and an exciting, crowd-pleasing style.

• Knockout Power: Sandhagen possesses devastating knockout power, evident in his highlight-reel finishes of several top-ranked opponents. His precision striking and calculated aggression make him a serious threat to any fighter.
• Technical Striking: Beyond power, Sandhagen's technical striking is impressive. His ability to combine speed, accuracy, and diverse techniques makes him a difficult opponent to predict and counter.
• Recent Performances: Sandhagen's recent performances have further solidified his status as a top contender. While he's experienced setbacks, his consistent improvements and adaptability demonstrate his potential to reach the pinnacle of the bantamweight division.

Sandhagen's Style and its Potential Matchup Against Figueiredo

The stylistic clash between Sandhagen and Figueiredo promises fireworks. The matchup presents intriguing possibilities:

• Striking vs. Striking: Both fighters possess elite-level striking skills, making their stand-up exchanges a key focal point of the fight. The contrast in styles—Sandhagen's more calculated approach versus Figueiredo's aggressive pressure—will be crucial.
• Grappling Factor: While striking will likely dominate, Figueiredo's grappling prowess cannot be ignored. Sandhagen's defensive grappling will be tested, and any successful takedowns by Figueiredo could significantly alter the fight's trajectory.
• Potential Scenarios: The fight could end in a spectacular knockout from either fighter, a thrilling submission, or a closely contested decision. The unpredictability adds to the excitement and anticipation surrounding this main event.

UFC Des Moines: Fight Card and Event Significance

The Full Fight Card and its Impact

UFC Des Moines offers a stacked card beyond the main event, featuring several compelling matchups that will keep fans engaged throughout the night.

• Supporting Cast: While the main event steals the spotlight, the undercard boasts a number of rising stars and established veterans vying for their moment to shine. These fights offer a glimpse into the future of the UFC and provide further entertainment for the viewers.
• Event Significance: UFC Des Moines is poised to be a significant event for the UFC, bringing the excitement of mixed martial arts to a new location and building anticipation for future events in the region. The event's success is crucial for the promotion's growth and expansion.

Where to Watch the Figueiredo vs. Sandhagen Fight

Don't miss a moment of the action! You can watch the Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Cory Sandhagen fight and the entire UFC Des Moines card on May 3rd via:

• ESPN+ (US): The event will be streamed live on ESPN+ in the United States.
• Check Local Listings: International viewers should check their local listings for broadcast details in their region.

Conclusion

The UFC Des Moines main event featuring Deiveson Figueiredo against Cory Sandhagen promises an explosive clash of styles and a pivotal moment in both fighters' careers. The weight class difference adds an intriguing element of unpredictability, making the outcome truly uncertain. Figueiredo's aggressive power and Sandhagen's technical striking expertise create a recipe for a memorable fight night. Don't miss the Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Cory Sandhagen main event! Watch the UFC Des Moines fight card on May 3rd and witness this thrilling UFC battle between two elite mixed martial artists! Find out where to watch or purchase tickets via your preferred streaming service or ticket vendor.