MMA
Cory Sandhagen vs Deiveson Figueiredo Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Date: Sunday, 5 May Time: 3:00 AM BST Venue: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA SportsBoom previews the highly anticipated MMA showdown between Cory Sandhagen and Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC Apex on Sunday, 5 May 2025. With both fighters chasing another crack at gold, this one feels like more than just a main event. Sandhagen knows time isn’t on his side, and Figueiredo is trying to crash the bantamweight party before it’s too late. Styles make fights, and with these two, it’s all set to deliver. For those looking for the best UFC bookmakers and online MMA betting insights, check out MMA betting sites for full coverage.
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Cory Sandhagen punches Song Yadong//Getty Images
Sandhagen Returns; Figueiredo Eyes Title Shot
Cory Sandhagen returns this weekend in what could be his final push toward UFC bantamweight gold. At 33, he’s been circling the top of the division for years, but every time the title has been within reach, something's slipped. He fell short in the interim title fight against Petr Yan back in 2021 and lost a razor-close bout to T.J. Dillashaw that most considered a number-one contender fight.
Sandhagen’s been out of action since March 2023 after elbow surgery, following a clinical win over Marlon Vera. Now healthy and hungry, he's hoping this run can finally take him all the way.
Across from him is a former champion with a point to prove. Deiveson Figueiredo, now 37, looked sharp in his bantamweight debut against Rob Font and doesn’t seem to have lost a step. With one UFC belt already on his resume, he’s chasing another, and a win over Sandhagen puts him right in the mix.
Sandhagen’s length, speed, and relentless output meets Figueiredo’s knockout power and slick submissions. It’s not just a big-name main event; it’s a proper crossroads fight in one of the most stacked divisions in the sport.
Pre-Fight Odds and Win Probability: Sandhagen Slight Favorite
The betting odds for the UFC Fight Night main event between Cory Sandhagen and Deiveson Figueiredo are shaping up with Sandhagen edging the odds:
- Cory Sandhagen: 4/5 (1.80) – 55.6%
- Deiveson Figueiredo: 1/1 (2.00) – 50.0%
Odds courtesy of Stake, subject to change.
If you're exploring the world of online sports betting, this matchup offers near-even odds and a chance for savvy punters to pounce. With both fighters ranked in the top 5, expect the line to tighten as Fight Night nears.
Tale of the Tape
| Attribute | Cory Sandhagen | Deiveson Figueiredo |
| Age | 33 | 37 |
| Height | 180 cm (5’11”) | 165 cm (5’5”) |
| Weight | 62kg (135 lbs) | 62kg (135 lbs) |
| Reach | 178 cm (70”) | 173 cm (68”) |
| Record | 17-5-0 | 24-4-1 |
| KO/TKO | 41% (7 wins) | 38% (9 wins) |
| Submission | 18% (3 wins) | 38% (9 wins) |
| Decisions | 41% (7 wins) | 25% (6 wins) |
Sandhagen has the physical edge, but Figueiredo's explosive power and submission skill make him a real threat at any range.
Deiveson Figueiredo and Petr Yan//Getty Images
Cory Sandhagen News
Cory Sandhagen has long been one of the most skilled operators at bantamweight, but the title has always just eluded him. He lost a close decision to T.J. Dillashaw in 2021 and then fell short against Petr Yan for the interim belt later that year. Both fights were competitive, but the losses pushed him back in a crowded division.
Since then, he’s rebuilt his case with three straight wins, including standout performances against Song Yadong and Marlon Vera. Most recently, he beat Umar Nurmagomedov in a fight where he tore his triceps mid-bout and still saw out the decision. That was back in August 2023, and he’s been on the sidelines ever since.
Now fully recovered, Sandhagen enters this matchup knowing the stakes. At 33, with a well-rounded game and elite cardio, he still has all the tools. But against a dangerous finisher like Figueiredo, there’s little room for error. He’ll need to use his movement, range, and composure to stay in control and remind everyone he’s still very much in the title mix.
Deiveson Figueiredo News
Deiveson Figueiredo already knows what it feels like to hold UFC gold, but now he’s chasing a second belt in a division packed with killers. After a long run at flyweight, filled with chaos, highlight-reel finishes, and brutal weight cuts, the move up to bantamweight felt overdue.
At 37, there were questions about how he would handle the jump. Figueiredo answered them in December when he shut down Rob Font over three rounds, looking fresher, stronger, and sharper than he had in years. Without the drain of a brutal weight cut, the former champ still has the same explosiveness that made him a star at 125.
But this is a different battlefield. Bantamweight isn’t just bigger, it’s deeper. And Sandhagen presents a style that’s very different from anything Figueiredo faced at flyweight. To win here, he can’t sit back and look for one big moment. He’ll need to bring the pressure, cut off the cage, and find a way to turn the fight into a scrap before Sandhagen gets comfortable.
The margin for error is tight, but if Figueiredo still has another big run left in him, this is the fight that will show it.
Suggested Bets
If you’re looking to bet on UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs Figueiredo, here are three smart picks from top UFC bookmakers.
Cory Sandhagen to Win by Decision: Sandhagen’s movement and volume should be enough to outpoint Figueiredo over five rounds. 6/4 (2.50) – 40%
Bo Nickal to Win by Submission: Nickal’s wrestling pressure should open the door for a quick tap against de Ridder. 2/1 (3.00) – 33.3%
Fight to Go the Distance – No (Ponzinibbio vs Rodriguez): With the way these two throw down, it’s unlikely we’ll hear the final bell. 4/5 (1.80) – 55.6%
Value Bets
For those seeking higher-risk, higher-reward opportunities, consider these value bets from the UFC Fight Night card: the outcomes are less likely but offer stronger payouts. Take advantage of bet sites with a welcome bonus which can offer extra value.
Miesha Tate to Win by Submission: Tate's experience and grappling skills could be the key against Yana Santos. 5/1 (6.00) – 16.7%
Montel Jackson to Win in Round 1: Jackson's power and aggressive start could overwhelm Daniel Marcos early. 7/1 (8.00) – 12.5%
Don'Tale Mayes vs Thomas Petersen – Fight to End in Round 1: Heavyweight bouts often end quickly due to the power involved. 2/1 (3.00) – 33.3%
Cory Sandhagen vs Deiveson Figueiredo Prediction
If Sandhagen sticks to his game, controlling the range, keeping his movement sharp, and refusing to brawl, this is his fight to lose. His volume and pace over five rounds should be enough to keep Figueiredo chasing shadows.
But if Sandhagen gets reckless or starts fading late, Figueiredo’s power is still a real problem. One mistake and the former flyweight champ can flip the whole script.
Still, over five rounds, the smart pick is Sandhagen to stay disciplined and pull away on the cards.
Full Card Predictions
Below are our predictions for every fight on the card at UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs Deiveson Figueiredo, including the main and preliminary bouts. All picks are based on current form, stylistic matchups, and available betting odds from Stake.
Main Card
- Cory Sandhagen vs Deiveson Figueiredo – Sandhagen via Decision
- Reinier de Ridder vs Bo Nickal – Nickal via Submission
- Cameron Smotherman vs Serhiy Sidey – Sidey via KO/TKO
- Santiago Ponzinibbio vs Daniel Rodriguez – Rodriguez via Decision
- Montel Jackson vs Daniel Marcos – Jackson via Decision
- Jeremy Stephens vs Mason Jones – Jones via KO/TKO
Preliminary Card
- Marina Rodriguez vs Gillian Robertson – Rodriguez via Decision
- Yana Santos vs Miesha Tate – Tate via Decision
- Azamat Bekoev vs Ryan Loder – Bekoev via KO/TKO
- Don’Tale Mayes vs Thomas Petersen – Petersen via KO/TKO
- Juliana Miller vs Ivana Petrovic – Petrovic via Submission
- Gaston Bolaños vs Quang Le – Bolaños via KO/TKO
Joshua Gaillard is a freelance editor and dedicated Arsenal fan, known for creating fact-based, insightful content. His work, featured on top South African websites, blends analysis with engaging storytelling for clear, impactful articles.