UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo - Bantamweight Main Event Tonight in Des Moines

The headlining fight of UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo takes place tonight, May 3, 2025, at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa. An elite bantamweight clash is set to headline the event as the technical striking of Cory Sandhagen meets the power and grappling of former flyweight champion Deiveson "Deus da Guerra" Figueiredo. This is a crucial matchup for the future of the bantamweight division.

 

Fighter Backgrounds

Cory Sandhagen

Cory Sandhagen (17-5-0), representing Elevation Fight Team in the USA, is a premier bantamweight contender known for his dynamic striking, movement, and cardio. Sandhagen has secured seven wins via (T)KO and three by submission, showcasing his finishing abilities. He has faced a murderer's row of opponents and is looking to solidify his position at the top.

Deiveson Figueiredo

Deiveson "Deus da Guerra" Figueiredo (24-4-1), fighting out of Team Figueiredo in Brazil, is a former multiple-time UFC Flyweight Champion who has successfully transitioned to bantamweight. Known for his devastating power and dangerous submission game, Figueiredo has nine wins by (T)KO and nine by submission. He is aiming to make a run at the bantamweight title after his successful move up in weight.

Fighting Styles and Strengths

Cory Sandhagen

• Elite Striking and Movement: Sandhagen utilizes excellent footwork, angles, and a high volume of strikes (5.02 SIG STR LPM) to outpoint opponents.
• High Fight IQ: He is a tactical fighter who adapts well during a bout.
• Excellent Cardio: Sandhagen is known for his gas tank and ability to maintain a high pace over five rounds.
• Switch Stance: Fights effectively from both orthodox and switch stances.

Deiveson Figueiredo

• Devastating Power: Figueiredo possesses legitimate knockout power, capable of finishing opponents on the feet.
• Dangerous Grappler: With nine submission wins and a high submission attempt rate (1.43 SUB AVG), he is a serious threat on the ground.
• Aggressive and Relentless: Figueiredo comes forward aggressively and looks for finishes wherever the fight goes.
• High Striking Accuracy: Lands 58.47% of his significant strikes (SIG STR ACC).

Recent Performances

Cory Sandhagen

Sandhagen is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Umar Nurmagomedov in August 2024 in a highly anticipated contender bout. Prior to that, he secured dominant unanimous decision victories over Rob Font in August 2023 and a split decision win against Marlon Vera in March 2023, showcasing his ability to go the distance.

Deiveson Figueiredo

Figueiredo is looking to rebound from a unanimous decision loss to Petr Yan in November 2024, a tough test in the bantamweight division. Prior to that, he secured a unanimous decision victory over Marlon Vera in August 2024 and a first-round submission win against Cody Garbrandt in April 2024, demonstrating his success at 135 pounds.

Odds and Betting Information

Fighter	Odds
Cory Sandhagen	-575
Deiveson Figueiredo	+385

Cory Sandhagen enters tonight's main event as the significant betting favorite with odds of -575, while the former champion Deiveson Figueiredo is the underdog at +385.

Keys to Victory

Cory Sandhagen

• Utilize Movement and Distance Control: Sandhagen should use his footwork and reach to control the distance and avoid Figueiredo's power shots and takedown attempts.
• Maintain a High Pace: His superior cardio can allow him to outwork Figueiredo over five rounds.
• Avoid Getting Drawn into Brawls or Grappling Exchanges: Sticking to his technical striking and defensive wrestling will be crucial.

Deiveson Figueiredo

• Close the Distance and Land Power Shots: Figueiredo needs to find ways to get inside Sandhagen's range and land his devastating strikes.
• Secure Takedowns: If he can get Sandhagen to the ground, Figueiredo's elite submission game becomes a major factor.
• Start Fast: Landing significant damage in the early rounds could disrupt Sandhagen's game plan.

 

Prediction