In a thrilling main event at UFC on ESPN 67 held in Des Moines, Iowa, on May 4, 2025, Cory Sandhagen scored a decisive victory over former UFC Flyweight Champion Deiveson Figueiredo. The fight, which was highly anticipated, ended in the second round when Figueiredo suffered a leg injury, prompting the referee to stop the contest.
From the onset, the bout showcased contrasting styles, with Sandhagen, a skilled kickboxer, effectively countering Figueiredo's attempts to take the fight to the ground. Despite Figueiredo's black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Sandhagen consistently found himself in advantageous positions, thwarting Figueiredo's wrestling efforts.
The pivotal moment came in the second round. As the fighters grappled on the canvas, Sandhagen executed a maneuver that inadvertently injured Figueiredo's left leg. Recognizing he could no longer defend himself, Figueiredo signaled for the fight to be stopped. Sandhagen seized the opportunity, delivering a series of strikes to Figueiredo's head, which left the referee with no choice but to halt the action at 4:08 of the round. This victory marked Sandhagen's 18th win in his mixed martial arts career, bringing his professional record to 18 wins and five losses.
Figueiredo, on the other hand, now stands at 24 wins, five losses, and one draw in his career. This defeat raises questions about the Brazilian's future in the octagon, especially after a series of tough bouts.
In addition to the main event, UFC on ESPN 67 featured several other exciting matchups. In the middleweight division, Renye de Ridder secured a technical knockout victory over Bo Nikal in the second round, showcasing his striking prowess.
In the welterweight category, Daniel Rodriguez triumphed over Santiago Ponzinibbio, also winning by technical knockout in the third round. Rodriguez's performance was a testament to his relentless fighting style, as he overwhelmed Ponzinibbio with powerful strikes.
Meanwhile, in the bantamweight division, Montel Jackson earned a unanimous decision victory against Daniel Marcos, demonstrating his tactical skills throughout the fight. In another bantamweight bout, Sergei Sidey defeated Cameron Smotherman by unanimous decision, while Mason Jones outclassed Jeremy Stevens, winning by unanimous decision as well.
Overall, the night was filled with action and excitement, with numerous fighters earning bonuses for their performances. Cory Sandhagen, Renye de Ridder, Azamat Bekoev, and Quang Le each received a $50,000 bonus for their impressive displays inside the octagon.
As UFC on ESPN 67 wraps up, the spotlight now shifts to the implications of Sandhagen's victory. With this win, he has positioned himself as a serious contender in the bantamweight division, and fans are eager to see what’s next for the talented fighter. Will he challenge for the title? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—Cory Sandhagen is a name to watch in the coming months.
