This Saturday night, the highly anticipated clash between fourth-ranked bantamweight Cory Sandhagen and fifth-ranked Deiveson Figueiredo will take center stage at the UFC Fight Night event in Des Moines, Iowa. This represents the UFC’s return to Iowa for the first time in 25 years, promising an exciting evening for fight fans. The main card is slated to begin at 10 p.m. ET following preliminary bouts that get underway at 7 p.m. ET.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) Sandhagen’s Recent Performance |
| 2) Figueiredo’s Journey in MMA |
| 3) Fight Card Overview |
| 4) Betting Insights and Predictions |
| 5) Significance of the Event |
Sandhagen’s Recent Performance
At 33 years old, Cory Sandhagen has made his mark in the bantamweight division. His most recent bout was against Umar Nurmagomedov, where he faced a unanimous decision loss in an eliminator bout last August. That defeat ended a three-fight winning streak, which included notable victories against tough opponents.
Sandhagen began his professional career back in May 2015, victorious against Bruce Sessman at FTW: Prize Fighting Championship 9. He quickly amassed a record of five wins before experiencing his first defeat against Jamall Emmers in February 2017. Making his UFC debut the following year, Sandhagen quickly became a fan favorite, clinching victories and showcasing his striking and grappling skills.
To date, he has a professional record of 17 wins and 5 losses, with 7 of those wins coming by knockout, 3 by submission, and 7 by decision. His diverse skill set was further highlighted during a memorable bout against Petr Yan, for which he received a nomination for the 2021 President’s Choice Fight of the Year. The fight, fought for the interim bantamweight championship, became a stepping stone in his career, shaping his readiness for elite competition.
Figueiredo’s Journey in MMA
Deiveson Figueiredo, at 37, has had a storied career in mixed martial arts, having achieved the title of UFC flyweight champion not once, but twice. His journey began in February 2012 with a submission victory over Aluisio Ferreira at Knock Out Combat Icoaraci 3 in Belem, Brazil. Early on, he demonstrated his prowess by winning his first eleven fights, including four consecutive victories in the UFC after joining in 2017.
Figueiredo’s root story features triumphs and setbacks; despite an initial loss to Jussier Formiga in March 2019, he bounced back with a unanimous decision victory against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 240. Over his career, Figueiredo has achieved a commendable record of 24 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw, with 9 wins via knockout and another 9 by submission. Notably, he captured the vacant UFC Flyweight Championship after defeating Joseph Benavidez in July 2020, gaining Performance of the Night honors in the process.
Fight Card Overview
The UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo event will feature a captivating lineup. In addition to the headline bout, the main card will include a middleweight clash between Reinier De Ridder and Bo Nickal, as well as other bouts showcasing talented fighters.
The main fight card is set to feature:
- Cory Sandhagen (-520) vs. Deiveson Figueiredo (+410)
- Reinier De Ridder (+295) vs. Bo Nickal (-370)
- Santiago Ponzinibbio (-138) vs. Daniel Rodriguez (+118)
- Montel Jackson (-225) vs. Daniel Marcos (+188)
- Cameron Smotherman (+116) vs. Serhiy Sidey (-136)
- Jeremy Stephens (+460) vs. Mason Jones (-620)
With a balanced mix of heavy hitters and strategic grapplers, the card sets the stage for an exhilarating night of fights, drawing attention from both dedicated fans and new viewers alike.
Betting Insights and Predictions
As the event approaches, betting lines reflect the excitement. Cory Sandhagen enters as a strong favorite at -520, meaning a bet of $520 would net a $100 profit. In contrast, Deiveson Figueiredo holds odds of +410, indicating a risk of $100 to yield a $410 return. This disparity in betting lines signals a high level of confidence in Sandhagen’s ability to secure a victory.
Sports betting experts have begun analyzing the intricacies of the matchup. Notably, Daniel Vithlani, a recognized UFC bettor, has provided insights into potential outcomes. He suggests that fans should also be on the lookout for strategic bets in the undercard, which features a women’s strawweight bout between Gillian Robertson and Marina Rodriguez. Each expert thoroughly analyzes fighters’ past performances, style matchups, and conditions to offer informed predictions for UFC enthusiasts placing bets.
Significance of the Event
This event marks the UFC’s third occurrence in Iowa, generating significant interest not only among local fans but also those beyond state lines. The return highlights the growing popularity of mixed martial arts in regions outside the traditional strongholds. It underscores the UFC’s commitment to diversifying its events and expanding its audience reach.
Moreover, the main event has implications for both fighters. A win for Sandhagen could propel him back into title contention, while for Figueiredo, a victory is essential to re-establish his position in the bantamweight landscape after navigating a period of inconsistency. The stakes are high, enhancing the anticipation surrounding the night.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cory Sandhagen vs. Deiveson Figueiredo highlights the UFC Fight Night event. |
| 2 | The event marks UFC’s return to Iowa after 25 years. |
| 3 | Sandhagen aims to bounce back from a recent loss to maintain title contention. |
| 4 | Figueiredo seeks to regain his momentum in the bantamweight division. |
| 5 | Betting lines favor Sandhagen, indicating significant public confidence in his victory. |
Summary
The UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo promises an electrifying evening, not just due to the compelling matchups, but also because of the broader implications for the fighters involved. This event marks a significant milestone for the UFC’s foothold in Iowa, demonstrating the sport’s growth outside traditional areas. As fans eagerly await the action, the stakes couldn’t be higher for both athletes as they navigate their careers in front of a passionate crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What time does the UFC Fight Night event start?
The preliminary card begins at 7 p.m. ET, followed by the main card starting at 10 p.m. ET.
Question: Who are the key fighters in the main event?
The main event features Cory Sandhagen facing Deiveson Figueiredo, two top-ranked bantamweights.
Question: What are the betting odds for the main fight?
As of now, Cory Sandhagen is the favorite at -520, while Deiveson Figueiredo is at +410.
