Get to know the betting odds, predictions and picks for the upcoming Cory Sandhagen vs. Deiveson Figueiredo fight!
The octagon returns to Iowa, bringing with it an explosive bantamweight showdown. UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo heads to Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines this Saturday, featuring a clash between two top-five contenders. Cory Sandhagen and Deiveson Figueiredo will finally lock horns in what promises to be a technical masterpiece.
Both fighters have traveled unique paths to this moment. Sandhagen looks to bounce back from his loss to Umar Nurmagomedov last August. Meanwhile, the former two-time flyweight champion Figueiredo continues his bantamweight campaign seeking another shot at gold. This matchup brings together two of the most skilled fighters in the division with contrasting styles.
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The oddsmakers have spoken clearly in this contest. According to BetMGM, Cory Sandhagen enters as a substantial -550 favorite. This means bettors would need to risk $550 just to win $100 on ‘The Sandman. Deiveson Figueiredo sits as a +400 underdog, offering a $400 return on a $100 stake.
These numbers reflect the perceived advantages Sandhagen brings to the table. His height, reach, and bantamweight experience all factor into the betting line. The betting market seems to have little faith in Figueiredo’s power translating to the bigger weight class against elite competition.
Sandhagen’s height and reach advantages could prove troublesome for the more compact Figueiredo. The Brazilian brings devastating power and submission skills that have earned him nine knockouts and nine submissions in his career. Interestingly, both men have shared the octagon with top competition throughout their careers. Sandhagen’s battles with Petr Yan and Nurmagomedov showcased his elite skills even in defeat. Figueiredo’s legendary rivalry with Brandon Moreno defined the flyweight division for years before his move up in weight class.
We expect Cory Sandhagen to employ a similar strategy to his victory over Song Yadong. Using his length, footwork, and diverse striking arsenal to pick apart Figueiredo from range. The former flyweight champion will need to time his entries perfectly to avoid Sandhagen’s counters.
Both main event fighters have shown vulnerability to elite grapplers in past defeats. Sandhagen’s losses to Aljamain Sterling and Umar Nurmagomedov came primarily through grappling dominance. Whether either man attempts to exploit this potential weakness could determine the outcome. The fight promises high-level technical exchanges that should deliver for fans regardless of betting implications.
If we bet on the fight, it will be on Cory Sandhagen winning the fight via unanimous decision.
(Image Credit: MarkBerrihehe – X)
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