Cory “The Sandman” Sandhagen secured a TKO victory over former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC Des Moines, potentially cementing his position as the next title challenger in the bantamweight division.
The matchup between the 4th-ranked Sandhagen (17-5) and 5th-ranked Figueiredo (24-4-1) was billed as a potential title eliminator, with both fighters looking to position themselves for a shot at the bantamweight gold currently being contested next month.
From the opening bell, Sandhagen’s superior strategic approach was evident. Utilizing his length and striking prowess, he immediately established control before Figueiredo attempted to shift the battle to the ground. What followed was a masterclass in modern MMA problem-solving by Sandhagen.
“It was probably one of Cory’s best performances to date,” noted UFC commentator Michael Bisping during the broadcast, as Sandhagen demonstrated remarkable composure against Figueiredo’s repeated leg lock attempts.
The Brazilian’s strategy quickly became one-dimensional, obsessively hunting for heel hooks while Sandhagen capitalized from top position, raining down punishing blows including several devastating elbows. Each time Figueiredo flopped to his back seeking the submission, Sandhagen made him pay dearly.
In the second round, Sandhagen continued his dominance, targeting Figueiredo’s lead leg with punishing kicks. During a grappling exchange with legs entangled at the 4:08 mark, Figueiredo suffered a knee injury that abruptly ended the contest, giving Sandhagen the TKO victory.
“Sanhagen was dominant throughout,” remarked the commentary team as the fight concluded. “It’s the statement that Corey Sanhagen was looking to make.”
The victory highlights a critical evolution in MMA strategy: the dangers of relying too heavily on a single submission attempt from bottom position. Figueiredo’s repeated decision to pull guard and hunt for heel hooks while absorbing significant damage proved costly, both in terms of the fight’s momentum and ultimately his physical well-being.
For Sandhagen, who has been on the cusp of title contention multiple times, this victory could finally secure his opportunity to compete for UFC gold. His growth as a fighter has been remarkable, adding impressive grappling to his already formidable striking arsenal – a development many attribute to his training with submission specialist Ryan Hall.
The performance demonstrated why many consider Sandhagen among the most well-rounded stars in what is arguably the sport’s most talented division. His ability to handle Figueiredo’s grappling while delivering punishing strikes showcased the multidimensional skill set required at the highest levels of modern MMA.
For those watching closely, the message was clear: in today’s MMA landscape, a one-dimensional approach – especially one that involves willingly taking the bottom position – is a recipe for disaster against elite competition.
