In a packed Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, UFC fans didn’t just witness a solid bout between Cory Sandhagen and Deiveson Figueiredo. They experienced a rare showcase of tactical brilliance and complete domination.
The American’s win wasn’t just another result on the scorecards—it was a clear message to the top of the lightweight division: “I’m here, and my time has come.”
Round One: Early Warning
The fight began cautiously but quickly turned into a center-cage clash. Brazilian Figueiredo—known for his submission prowess—tried to catch his opponent with an ankle lock, but Sandhagen remained composed and punished him with a series of brutal ground strikes. The message was clear: “You won’t pull me into your game… this is my domain.”
Round Two: The Collapse
At the start of round two, Sandhagen found his rhythm and dominated the exchanges. He brought the Brazilian to the ground, and in a shocking moment, Figueiredo’s left knee appeared to buckle under pressure.
Sandhagen capitalized, landing vicious ground-and-pound. The referee quickly intervened, stopping the fight and awarding Sandhagen the TKO victory.
Post-Fight: “This is My Game. I’m the Best at It”
In the post-fight interview, Sandhagen didn’t apologize for the finish—instead, he broke it down with professional realism:
“It’s not shameful. If you don’t know how to defend that position, your knee will blow out. It happened to T.J. Dillashaw, and now to Figgy. I’m better at this game. Period.”
Clear Message: Title Shot Time
Sandhagen made his ambitions crystal clear:
“I’ve dreamed of becoming world champion for more than half my life. It’s time for the UFC to give me the chance to show how good I am.”
With the upcoming title bout between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 316, Sandhagen now stands as a serious contender for the gold.
Conclusion: A Fighter Who Doesn’t Wait—He Strikes
Cory Sandhagen didn’t just show up at UFC Des Moines—he seized the stage to launch his official title campaign. With his cold precision, fight IQ, and strong words, he proved he’s more than just a challenger. He’s a real threat.
