UFC bantamweight contender Cory Sandhagen may have just punched his ticket to a massive championship main event later on in 2025.
Cory Sandhagen Nets Monumental Victory in Iowa
Making his return after suffering a unanimous decision setback to Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC on ABC 7 last August, Cory Sandhagen took on another highly-touted competitor in the headlining bout of UFC Des Moines. Locking horns with a former champion this time around, the Colorado native clashed with previous two-time flyweight king Deiveson Figueiredo.
Seeking to rebound from his own disappointing defeat to Petr Yan last November, the Brazilian would have likely put himself in the conversation for the next title opportunity. Prior to the Yan loss, Figueiredo was riding an exceptional three-fight win streak after claiming victories over Rob Font, Cody Garbrandt and Marlon Vera.
Cory Sandhagen Takes Control Over Deiveson Figuereido
Despite getting the better of his South American adversary in the striking department early on in round one, Cory Sandhagen was on the receiving end of a takedown from Figueiredo. Demonstrating a clear growth in his Jiu-Jitsu, “Sandman” quickly reversed his opponent and controlled him on the ground for the rest of the round.
In much the same manner, both men engaged on the feet with fast blows before Figueiredo again took Sandhagen down. However, as “Deus Da Guerra” became entangled with the American’s legs, Cory Sandhagen managed to snap Figueiredo’s knee, causing him to almost immediately to tap after subsequent ground and pound.
Cory Sandhagen Lauds Fight Preparation, Calls for Title Shot
Back in the winner’s circle with a stoppage win over a highly-durable foe like Figueiredo, Sandhagen looks to be at the top of his game. Using his loss to Nurmagomedov to drive himself to improve, the bantamweight standout looked to be better than ever, leading him to praise his team for coming up with a solid plan of attack for his return contest.
“Nothing fires you up like a loss,” Cory Sandhagen began. “I’ve got a really good team behind me, we work our butts off. I’m going to be champ one day, I’ve just got to keep working and working and working. I’m just a dude doing my best.”
When asked about what kind of gameplan he had planned for his confrontation with Figueiredo, Sandhagen was swift to reply that he had every intention of besting the Brazilian in all facets of the sport. He also exuded the utmost confidence in his skillset before openly calling out the winner of the upcoming championship tilt between Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O’Malley at UFC 316.
“It was to whoop him everywhere,” Cory Sandhagen said. “I’m trying to be a champ, champs don’t change how they fight; they go out fight like they do. My style is so good right now, my style is so good everywhere, grappling, top, bottom, standing. It’s amazing. I’m ready to win that belt. Sean O’Malley, Merab, I want the winner, I’ll be back up if they want.”
