Check Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo prediction here. The UFC Des Moines main event delivers a fascinating bantamweight clash between a former flyweight king and one of the most technical strikers in the 135-pound division. Cory “The Sandman” Sandhagen (17-5, 10-4 UFC) returns to the Octagon in search of redemption after a competitive loss to Umar Nurmagomedov. Opposing him is the dangerous Deiveson “Deus da Guerra” Figueiredo (24-4-1, 13-4-1 UFC), who continues his journey in the bantamweight ranks after a title-laden run at 125.
Despite being 37 and outsized in this matchup, Figueiredo remains a live dog with legitimate knockout and submission threats. Sandhagen, on the other hand, brings in an unmatched pace, improved wrestling, and dynamic shot selection. If he wins, it positions him for yet another run toward the title in a division full of killers.
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📺 Where to Watch Sandaghen vs. Figueiredo? (May 3, 2025)
| Platform | Details |
| 📺 TV Channel | ESPN2 |
| 📱 Streaming | ESPN+ |
| 🏟 Venue | Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines, Iowa |
| ⏰ Main Event Start | Approx. 12:40 a.m. ET |
💸 Betting Odds
| Fighter | Moneyline | Method of Victory |
| Cory Sandhagen | -550 | Sandhagen by Decision: -110 |
| Deiveson Figueiredo | +400 | Figueiredo by KO: +800, by Submission: +1000 |
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook
📊 Tale of the Tape
| Fighter | Sandhagen | Figueiredo |
| Record | 17-5 | 24-4-1 |
| UFC Record | 10-4 | 13-4-1 |
| Age | 33 | 37 |
| Height | 5’11” | 5’5” |
| Reach | 70” | 68” |
| Stance | Switch | Switch |
| Style | Kickboxing/BJJ | Muay Thai/BJJ |
| Avg. Fight Time | 14:20 | 12:45 |
🧠 Fighter Breakdown
🔷 Cory “The Sandman” Sandhagen
One of the most technically proficient bantamweights on the planet, Sandhagen’s striking resume is deep. A former WKA kickboxing champion and BJJ brown belt, he is known for his smooth footwork, rangy combinations, and punishing bodywork. Over the years, he’s also added strong get-ups and underrated wrestling defense.
Strengths:
- ✅ Diverse striking — knees, elbows, switch-kicks
- ✅ High output and endurance
- ✅ Excellent distance management
- ✅ Great scrambling ability
Concerns:
- ❌ Can get caught early
- ❌ Still beatable by elite wrestlers (e.g., Nurmagomedov)
🔶 Deiveson “Deus da Guerra” Figueiredo
The former flyweight champion may be aging but remains one of the most dangerous opportunists in the UFC. He’s adapted his game since moving up to 135, leaning on grappling and clinch control — a shift from his explosive flyweight brawls. Don’t sleep on his power or slick subs.
Strengths:
- ✅ KO power in both hands
- ✅ Slick submissions (9 career sub wins)
- ✅ Clinch control and dirty boxing
- ✅ Grappling transitions and scrambles
Concerns:
- ❌ Shorter reach, major size disadvantage
- ❌ Tends to fade in high-volume fights
- ❌ Defensive lapses — especially to the body and legs
🔢 Betting Trends
| Category | Sandhagen | Figueiredo |
| Fights to Decision | 8 of 17 wins | 7 of 24 wins |
| Wins by KO/TKO | 7 | 9 |
| Wins by Submission | 3 | 9 |
| UFC Wins by Finish | 5 | 11 |
| Most Recent Result | Loss to Nurmagomedov | Loss to Petr Yan |
🎯 Prop Bets to Watch
| Prop | Odds |
| Fight Goes to Decision | -175 |
| Sandhagen by Decision | -110 |
| Figueiredo by Submission | +1000 |
| Sandhagen to Win + Over 2.5 Rounds | +120 |
| Either Fighter to Win by KO/TKO | +300 |
🧪 ClutchBuzz Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo Prediction
Figueiredo will likely start fast and try to slow Sandhagen down with calf kicks and right hands, but Cory’s movement and volume should neutralize the early threat. While Figueiredo’s grappling could lead to control time in early rounds, Sandhagen’s size and scrambling will wear the Brazilian out.
As the fight hits Rounds 3-5, look for Sandhagen to increase his output and dominate the exchanges with kicks, elbows, and body shots — breaking Figueiredo’s rhythm and distancing himself on the scorecards.
Final Pick: Cory Sandhagen via Unanimous Decision 🔒
Confidence Level: 8/10
Clutch Value Bet: Sandhagen by Decision (-110)
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – MARCH 25: (R-L) Cory Sandhagen battles Marlon Vera in their Bantamweight fight during the UFC on ESPN 43 event at AT&T Center on March 25, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas, USA. (Photo by Louis Grasse/PxImages/Icon Sportswire) (Icon Sportswire via AP Images)
🧾 ClutchBuzz Bet Slip
| Bet Type | Selection | Odds |
| Moneyline | Cory Sandhagen | -600 |
| Method of Victory | Sandhagen by Decision | -110 |
| Over/Under Rounds | Over 3.5 | -190 |
🧾 UFC Des Moines Parlay Table – May 3, 2025
| 🥊 Fight | ✅ Pick | 📋 Method | 📈 Rationale |
| Cory Sandhagen vs. Deiveson Figueiredo | Cory Sandhagen | Decision (Unanimous) | Longer reach, elite bantamweight IQ, superior volume over 5 rounds |
| Reinier de Ridder vs. Bo Nickal | Reinier de Ridder | Submission | Elite BJJ/judo combo, higher sub avg, threat off his back |
| Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. D. Rodriguez | Daniel Rodriguez | Decision (Split) | Higher striking output, volume can outpoint a pressuring Ponzinibbio |
| Montel Jackson vs. Daniel Marcos | Daniel Marcos | Decision (Unanimous) | Undefeated, better cardio and striking volume, solid takedown defense |
| Cameron Smotherman vs. Serhiy Sidey | Cameron Smotherman | KO/TKO | Fast starter with KO threat; Sidey hittable early |
| Jeremy Stephens vs. Mason Jones | Mason Jones | Decision (Unanimous) | More well-rounded, fresher fighter with edge in pressure and youth |
