UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo
In the world of mixed martial arts, few events captivate audiences as much as a high-stakes matchup between two elite fighters. The UFC Fight Night event featuring Cory Sandhagen vs. Deiveson Figueiredo, held at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa, on May 3, 2025, was no exception. This bout, which headlined the event, delivered a thrilling display of skill, strategy, and unexpected twists that left fans on the edge of their seats.
The Build-Up
The anticipation for this fight was palpable. Cory Sandhagen, known for his technical prowess and aggressive fighting style, was coming off a decisive loss to Umar Nurmagomedov. This matchup against Deiveson Figueiredo, a former two-time UFC Flyweight Champion, was his chance to reassert himself in the bantamweight division and stake his claim for a title shot. Figueiredo, on the other hand, was looking to bounce back from a series of setbacks and reestablish his dominance in the UFC.
The Fight
The main event kicked off with both fighters displaying their signature styles. Sandhagen, true to form, was aggressive from the start, pressing Figueiredo and looking for openings. Figueiredo, known for his grappling skills, attempted to take the fight to the ground early on. However, Sandhagen’s superior striking and clinch work kept the fight standing for much of the first round.
The second round saw a dramatic shift. Sandhagen continued to dominate the action, landing powerful strikes and controlling the pace of the fight. As the round progressed, the fighters found themselves in a grappling entanglement. It was during this moment that the fight took an unexpected turn. Figueiredo, while attempting to reverse the position, suffered a knee injury. The pain was evident as he shouted in agony, prompting the referee to intervene. Sandhagen, sensing an opportunity, quickly capitalized, reversing positions and forcing Figueiredo to submit. The referee ruled the fight a TKO win for Sandhagen due to injury, marking a significant victory for the American fighter.
Key Moments and Highlights
Several key moments stood out in this fight:
Impact on the Bantamweight Division
This victory solidifies Sandhagen’s position as a top contender in the bantamweight division. His performance against Figueiredo was a masterclass in MMA, demonstrating his striking, grappling, and tactical prowess. Sandhagen has already called for a title shot, targeting the winner of the upcoming Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O’Malley bout. If he continues on this trajectory, a title shot seems inevitable.
For Figueiredo, the loss is a setback, but it also provides an opportunity for reflection and growth. His grappling skills are undeniable, but this fight highlighted areas where he needs to improve, particularly in his striking and defensive strategies.
Conclusion
A Night to Remember
The UFC Fight Night event in Des Moines was a night to remember. Cory Sandhagen’s dominant performance against Deiveson Figueiredo not only showcased his skills but also underscored the unpredictable and thrilling nature of MMA. As the UFC continues to deliver high-quality fights, events like this serve as a reminder of why fans around the world are captivated by the sport. With Sandhagen’s victory, the bantamweight division is set for an exciting future, and fans can look forward to more thrilling matchups as the year progresses.
