UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo – A Crucial Showdown for Title Aspirations

As the UFC Fight Night event approaches on May 3rd in Des Moines, Iowa, bantamweight contenders Cory Sandhagen and Deiveson Figueiredo find themselves at a critical juncture in their careers. Both fighters are looking to solidify their status as credible title challengers, making this matchup vital not just for their records but for their futures in the octagon.

Cory Sandhagen: A Journey of Near Misses

Cory Sandhagen (17-5) has been touted as a potential future champion for years, but he faces a cycle of disappointment after losing crucial bouts where victory was within reach. Notably, four fighters who defeated him have gone on to compete for UFC titles shortly after their wins. Sandhagen, however, maintains a positive outlook on his setbacks.

In an interview, he reflected on his experiences: “I juice as much good as I can out of my losses… Champions win by the smallest of margins sometimes. It levels me up more every time.” Sandhagen remains resolute in his ambition, stating that his desire to become a champion is unwavering, expressing his commitment until retirement or victory.

Deiveson Figueiredo: The Failed Flyweight King

Deiveson Figueiredo (24-4-1) aims to achieve his aspirations of becoming a champion in two weight classes, but he encountered a significant barrier in Petr Yan, who recently defeated him. The loss came after Figueiredo had enjoyed a three-fight win streak, putting him in contention for a title shot. Now at 37 years old, Figueiredo recognizes the urgency of this fight, asserting, “I can’t miss out on this opportunity,” and promising to push for a title shot should he defeat Sandhagen.

The Co-Main Event: Rising Stars Collide

Alongside the main event, the co-main fight features promising middleweight Bo Nickal (7-0), who is seeking to establish himself as a legitimate contender. Following a successful amateur wrestling career, Nickal’s ascent has captured attention, but he faces his toughest challenge yet against Reinier de Ridder (19-2). Nickal is coming off a significant weight cut, which could affect his performance, emphasizing that he “wants to get bigger for the weight class” but also recognizes the challenges that come with it.

De Ridder, a former simultaneous two-division champion from ONE Championship, is praised for his submission skills. He intends to test Nickal’s wrestling excellence while also implementing his striking game. He stated his strategy focuses on applying pressure and landing significant blows, commenting, “He hasn’t been hit with anything major yet.”

Additional Fights to Watch

The card also features intriguing matchups, including a welterweight bout between Santiago Ponzinibbio and Daniel Rodriguez, as well as the return of former women’s bantamweight champion Miesha Tate, who faces Yana Santos in the preliminary card.

Fight Card Overview

• Main Event: Cory Sandhagen vs. Deiveson Figueiredo (Bantamweight)
• Co-Main Event: Bo Nickal vs. Reinier de Ridder (Middleweight)
• Additional Fights:
  • Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Daniel Rodriguez (Welterweight)
  • Miesha Tate vs. Yana Santos (Preliminary Card)

Viewing Information

• Date: May 3
• Location: Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines, Iowa
• Start Time: 10 p.m. ET
• Broadcast: ESPN+

Predictions and Analysis

In a meticulous analysis of the main event, the fight’s dynamics suggest Sandhagen’s natural size advantages—including a six-inch height and two-inch reach lead—may play a crucial role in his strategy. While Figueiredo has shown less finishing power in the bantamweight category compared to his flyweight days, Sandhagen boasts superior striking output, leading many analysts to predict a potential unanimous decision victory for Sandhagen.

Significance of the Event

The outcomes of this event could reshape the bantamweight landscape, impacting not only the careers of Sandhagen and Figueiredo but also setting the stage for future title bouts. With both fighters motivated by the stakes and their shared goal of championship glory, fans can anticipate an electrifying atmosphere filled with tension and dramatic performances. The implications of this fight extend beyond immediate records, as it could define the next chapter for both fighters in the quest for UFC gold.