Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo: Full Rundown

Event Overview

The highly anticipated UFC Fight Night event recently held at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa, marked a thrilling chapter in the bantamweight division. Cory Sandhagen faced off against Deiveson Figueiredo, both of whom are seasoned fighters eager to claim their spot as a top contender. The event took place on May 3, 2025, with Sandhagen weighing in at 135.5 lbs and Figueiredo at 135 lbs.^[1][2]

Fight Summary and Result

The match began with both fighters exchanging low kicks and swift combinations, heating up the octagon early in the second round. Figueiredo demonstrated his grappling prowess with a deft single-leg takedown, but Sandhagen’s agility allowed him to counter with a leglock entanglement from which both fighters struggled for dominance. Sandhagen eventually gained control and began a flurry of ground-and-pound strikes.

The decisive moment arrived at 4:08 of the second round. During a grappling exchange, an unfortunate entanglement resulted in Figueiredo suffering a severe knee injury, forcing him to tap out due to the immense pain. Thus, Cory Sandhagen secured a victory via TKO (injury).^[3][1]

Significance and Aftermath

For Sandhagen, this victory served as a critical recovery path from his earlier loss to Umar Nurmagomedov. By positioning himself as a frontrunner in the bantamweight division, he has set his sights on a potential title shot. Although Figueiredo’s injury-based stoppage did not meet the technical finish his fans hoped for, Sandhagen’s strategic execution in the ring did not go unnoticed.

Merab Dvalishvili, the current bantamweight champion, was watching closely. As the landscape of the title contention shifts, all eyes are on Sandhagen for a potential matchup against the winner of Dvalishvili versus O’Malley, scheduled in an upcoming anticipated rematch.^[2]

Quotes & Highlights

“Sandhagen sweeps to top position and throws a couple of punches before it becomes apparent that Figueiredo is done fighting. Figueiredo taps in obvious pain as Miragliotta jumps in and waves off the fight. Replay shows that the entanglement of Sandhagen’s right leg and Figueiredo’s left resulted in a knee injury to the Brazilian.”^[3]

Event Details (Card)

The event showcased multiple thrilling bouts, with Reinier de Ridder facing Bo Nickal and Santiago Ponzinibbio taking on Daniel Rodriguez. However, it was Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo that drew the most anticipation, closing the UFC’s Iowa card with a dramatic finish.^[1]

Key Takeaways

• Cory Sandhagen reaffirmed his elite status by defeating Deiveson Figueiredo through a strategic and controlled approach, proving his readiness for a title shot.
• The unexpected injury-based conclusion highlights the unpredictable and dynamic nature of UFC fights.
• This victory positions Sandhagen as a strong contender in the bantamweight division, potentially setting the stage for high-profile battles against top-tier opponents.

Conclusion

The Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo match underscored the unpredictable drama of the UFC. As Sandhagen rises through the rankings, there is great anticipation for potential title fights that could redefine the bantamweight division's landscape. His performance not only rekindled his championship aspirations but also demonstrated the intricate strategies and split-second decisions that define elite MMA competitions.

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