This is a fascinating stylistic clash between two elite bantamweights. Cory Sandhagen, the rangy, creative striker with elite footwork and volume, faces Deiveson Figueiredo, a ferocious pressure fighter with fight-ending power and a dangerous submission game. It’s a pivotal bout for both men: Sandhagen looks to bounce back from a title eliminator loss to Umar Nurmagomedov, while Figueiredo aims to regain traction after a hard-fought decision loss to Petr Yan.

The main event between Cory Sandhagen and Deiveson Figueiredo is a pivotal bantamweight clash with major title implications. Sandhagen, currently ranked #4, is a rangy, cerebral striker known for his movement, creativity, and volume. Standing 5'11" with a 70-inch reach, Sandhagen will enter the cage with significant size and reach advantages. His ability to manage distance, use angular footwork, and mix up striking targets makes him one of the most difficult puzzles to solve at 135 lbs.

Figueiredo, the former two-time UFC flyweight champion, comes in at #5 in the division and has looked sharp since moving up in weight. While smaller at 5'5" with a 68-inch reach, he brings undeniable power, elite finishing instincts, and a dangerous submission game. He’s proven his legitimacy at bantamweight with solid wins over top competition. However, questions remain about whether he can match the pace and volume of someone like Sandhagen over five rounds.

This fight boils down to whether Figueiredo can consistently get inside and land damage without fading or getting picked apart at range. Sandhagen's ability to maintain distance and accumulate damage while avoiding big moments could be the deciding factor in what should be a competitive and technical bout.

Cory Sandhagen – Last 5 Fights

1. Loss vs. Umar Nurmagomedov – Unanimous Decision (Aug 3, 2024)
2. Win vs. Rob Font – Unanimous Decision (Aug 5, 2023)
3. Win vs. Marlon Vera – Split Decision (Mar 25, 2023)
4. Win vs. Song Yadong – TKO (Doctor Stoppage) (Sep 17, 2022)
5. Loss vs. Petr Yan – Unanimous Decision (Oct 30, 2021 – Interim Title Fight)

Deiveson Figueiredo – Last 5 Fights

1. Loss vs. Petr Yan – Unanimous Decision (Nov 23, 2024)
2. Win vs. Marlon Vera – Unanimous Decision (Aug 3, 2024)
3. Win vs. Cody Garbrandt – Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) (Apr 13, 2024 – UFC 300)
4. Win vs. Rob Font – Unanimous Decision (Dec 2, 2023 – Bantamweight debut)
5. Loss vs. Brandon Moreno – TKO (Doctor Stoppage) (Jan 21, 2023 – Flyweight Title Fight)

Prediction

Cory Sandhagen def. Deiveson Figueiredo via Unanimous Decision (49-46 x3)