UFC On ESPN 67: A Detailed Breakdown Of The Sandhagen Vs. Figueiredo Fight

Laila Abdi

4 min read

Post on May 05, 2025

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Cory Sandhagen's Performance Analysis

Sandhagen's Strengths

Cory Sandhagen is known for his exceptional striking prowess, blinding speed, and incredible agility. His "Sandhagen striking" is a thing of beauty, a whirlwind of precise punches, kicks, and elbows delivered with devastating speed and accuracy.

• Lightning-fast combinations: Sandhagen consistently overwhelms opponents with rapid-fire sequences, leaving them unable to mount an effective defense. See his performance against Frankie Edgar for a prime example.
• Exceptional footwork: His agility and footwork allow him to evade strikes and create angles for his attacks with ease. This was particularly evident in his fight against Marlon Moraes.
• Strategic striking: Sandhagen doesn't just rely on power; he's highly strategic, picking his shots meticulously and capitalizing on openings with pinpoint accuracy.

For the Figueiredo fight, Sandhagen's strategy likely involves utilizing his superior reach and speed to keep Moreno at bay, landing clean strikes while avoiding the grappling exchanges.

Sandhagen's Weaknesses

While Sandhagen's striking is elite, his "Sandhagen grappling" and ground game represent potential vulnerabilities. His "Sandhagen weaknesses" lie primarily in his defensive grappling and ability to withstand takedowns.

• Susceptibility to takedowns: Sandhagen has shown vulnerability to wrestlers with strong takedown abilities in the past.
• Ground game deficiencies: His ground game, while improving, isn't as polished as his striking, potentially making him susceptible to submissions or ground-and-pound.
• Cardio concerns: While his speed and agility are impressive, prolonged grappling exchanges could potentially tax his cardio.

Figueiredo, a world-class grappler, will undoubtedly look to exploit these "Sandhagen weaknesses," aiming for takedowns and controlling the fight on the ground.

Brandon Moreno's Performance Analysis

Moreno's Strengths

Brandon Moreno is a force to be reckoned with, boasting world-class grappling skills, an arsenal of devastating submissions, and incredible cardio. His "Moreno grappling" is a masterful display of technique and control.

• Dominant grappling: Moreno’s grappling is arguably his greatest asset. His ability to secure takedowns, control position, and transition seamlessly between submissions is truly remarkable. His fights against Deiveson Figueiredo showcase this dominance.
• Submission expertise: Moreno possesses a wide array of submissions, from rear-naked chokes to guillotines, making him a constant threat on the ground.
• Exceptional cardio: Moreno's cardio is legendary; he maintains a relentless pace throughout his fights, rarely showing signs of fatigue, even in grueling battles.

Moreno’s gameplan against Sandhagen will likely involve using his exceptional grappling to neutralize Sandhagen's striking advantage and force the fight to the ground where he excels.

Moreno's Weaknesses

Despite his impressive skillset, Moreno does have some potential weaknesses that Sandhagen could exploit. His "Moreno weaknesses" are mostly evident in his striking defense.

• Striking defense: Moreno’s striking defense is not as refined as his grappling, leaving him vulnerable to powerful strikers.
• Power disadvantage: He lacks the significant knockout power of some other UFC fighters.
• Reach disadvantage: His shorter reach could make it challenging to connect consistently against Sandhagen’s longer range.

Sandhagen's superior reach and striking accuracy could be key to overcoming Moreno's grappling prowess.

Fight Breakdown and Prediction

Pre-Fight Odds and Analysis

The pre-fight odds for "Sandhagen vs Figueiredo" are likely to favor Sandhagen due to his striking advantage. However, "UFC betting" can be unpredictable, and Moreno's grappling prowess presents a significant challenge. Expert predictions are varied, with some leaning towards Sandhagen's superior striking, and others highlighting Moreno's potential for a ground-control victory.

Potential Fight Scenarios

The fight could unfold in several ways. A "Sandhagen vs Figueiredo fight breakdown" suggests scenarios ranging from a dominant striking performance by Sandhagen, to a grappling masterclass from Moreno, or even a back-and-forth battle where both fighters showcase their strengths and weaknesses. Key moments will likely include early takedown attempts by Moreno and Sandhagen's ability to stuff them and maintain distance.

Final Prediction

While Moreno is a formidable grappler, Sandhagen's superior reach, speed, and striking accuracy could prove to be decisive factors. His ability to avoid takedowns and keep the fight standing will be crucial. Therefore, our "Sandhagen vs Figueiredo winner" prediction is Cory Sandhagen via decision, although a stoppage is certainly possible.

Conclusion: Recap and Call to Action – UFC on ESPN 67: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo

This "UFC on ESPN 67: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo" fight promises to be a thrilling contest. Sandhagen's strengths lie in his elite striking and speed, while his grappling defense presents a vulnerability. Moreno counters with superior grappling and cardio, but his striking defense is a weakness. Our prediction leans toward a Sandhagen victory, but this fight's outcome hinges on his ability to control the distance and avoid the ground game. Share your thoughts on the UFC on ESPN 67: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo fight in the comments below! Stay tuned for more UFC analysis and predictions!