Prediction for the fight Cory Sandhagen vs Deiveson Figueiredo

The meeting between Cory Sandhagen and Deiveson Figueiredo looks quite logical, given their positions in the rankings. They will headline the UFC on ESPN 67 tournament in Iowa, May 4, and the winner will be able to once again claim their rights to a contender's fight. So who will it be?

• Cory Sandhagen vs Deiveson Figueiredo;
• Cory Sandhagen;
• Deiveson Figueiredo;
• Comparative analysis;
• Game Totals Prediction.

Cory Sandhagen vs Deiveson Figueiredo

Cory Sandhagen

"The Sandman" is ranked number 4. He is a basic striker - a former world champion in kickboxing, and already a brown belt in jiu-jitsu. In mixed martial arts, he is known as the SCL champion, as well as a stable top of the lightweight category.

2 out of 5 bets on his victory failed: Umar Nurmagomedov and Petr Yan were better. But he managed to get past the simpler guys - Marlon Vera, Rob Font and Song Yadong.

Strengths

Sandhagen's specialty is that he skillfully acts as both the first and second number. His legs are constantly moving, his jab is always trying to hit the target, and his kicks are in perfect order. Confident takedown defense, though not in fights with top wrestlers, allows him to at least stay on his feet near the fence, and in clinches, he also has surprises in store for the opposition, but not for all 5 rounds of "scuffle".

Weaknesses

Of course, it is not easy for him to compete with the elite of the category in exchanging attacks under constant pressure. And in general, when it comes to the ground game or frequent visits to the net, Cory's initiative gradually decreases. What can you do, a striker needs space.

The current form and readiness of the fighter

Sandhagen is 33 years old and is coming off a loss to Nurmagomedov, where he failed to find answers to the Russian's pace and pressure. But now the situation is reversed: a fight with an older and less active veteran will allow Corey to open up. We expect a bright return from him, a performance at the highest level and, quite possibly, another decision victory.

Deiveson Figueiredo

The Brazilian rounds out the top five. Deiveson was a terror at 57 kg: he took the UFC belt twice, put on the best fights in the history of the promotion, knocked people out, submitted them and looked monstrous. In addition to his excellent Muay Thai technique, the "God of War" also added a black belt in BJJ.

The situation is similar to the opponent: 2 out of 5 bets here did not play for those who believed in the victory of "Figa". He lost to Petr Yan and Brandon Moreno, while delighting the fans with triumphs over Font, Garbrandt and Vera.

Strengths

Deiveson, when necessary, mixes striking techniques with wrestling, as he is not limited to any one type of martial arts. At the same time, he tries to spend as little energy as possible on protracted combos: a kick, one or two punches and an escape from the distance are increasingly becoming his signature combination. On the ground, he shows flexibility, quickly goes to techniques and defends himself excellently.

Weaknesses

As with all age-related athletes, we see a gradual decline in work rate, especially in intense fights, fewer finishes, and a noticeable lack of size as you move up the division. And the situation will only get worse.

The current form and readiness of the fighter

The ex-champion is already 37 years old, he has a wealth of experience behind him, but the implementation of all this at this stage of his career is frankly lame. Yes, he is still competitive with the same guys on the decline, but younger prospects surpass Figueiredo in functionality. At the same time, there is still a margin of safety here, so it is impossible to completely lose faith in Deiveson.

Comparative analysis

As expected, we see a huge gap in anthropometry, and of course, Cory is one of the largest representatives of the division. Almost everything that concerns the stand-up will be on his side: he delivers twice as many punches, moves better, controls the distance and counters perfectly. There is no doubt that his jab will be a problem for "Fig".

This is the plan that Sandhagen will work according to, avoiding the attacks of an opponent who hits harder and is looking for a better position to wedge into his opponent's defense. Yes, it is in the Brazilian's interests to constantly press, often move to the sides and try to close the American at the net in order to inflict the main damage there.

The transfers are unlikely to work, but at least their attempts can create more reasons not to go to striking distance against Corey. Simply put, Deiveson needs to do something similar to what Ian did in the fight with the "Sandman".

Cory Sandhagen vs Deiveson Figueiredo Prediction

Given the subtleties of these fighters' styles, the Brazilian has few options here. The chance that he will be able to set the right pace for all 5 rounds is extremely small, and it is not that easy to tire Cory out. Therefore, an upset should be considered last of all, if it takes place at all.

But a drawn-out fight, with a methodical analysis of Deiveson, who may "shoot" at the start and then gradually fade away, looks quite realistic. This gives us a reason to bet on the total of rounds with an entry into the 4th segment, and even more, well, and on Sandhagen's victory, with minimal odds. Download 1xbet to your phone and place a bet on the favorite!

Prediction: Total Over (3.5-4.5) by rounds/Cory Sandhagen wins