Cory Sandhagen calls for title shot after defeating Deiveson Figueredo at UFC Des Moines

Cory Sandhagen made a strong statement at UFC Des Moines by submitting Deiveson Figueiredo with a knee lock, immediately calling for a title shot after his main event victory. The impressive finish showcased Sandhagen’s evolving skill set and cemented his status as a top contender in the bantamweight division.

Sandhagen’s confidence is clear, as he believes this performance should secure his place as the next challenger for the title. For fans and observers, all eyes are now on whether his dominant win over Figueiredo will be enough to persuade the UFC to grant him the shot he’s been chasing.

His decisive victory and post-fight demand for a title opportunity have sparked widespread interest and debate in the MMA community, generating momentum around Sandhagen’s push for gold.

Cory Sandhagen Shreds Deiveson Figueredo’s Knee in UFC Des Moines Main Event

Cory Sandhagen scored a decisive victory over Deiveson Figueredo in the UFC Des Moines main event. Sandhagen’s tactical approach wore down Figueredo, targeting his opponent’s lead leg with precise strikes and causing severe damage that impacted the fight outcome.

Fight Overview and Round-By-Round Breakdown

The fight began with both bantamweights searching for openings. Sandhagen established his range early using swift jabs and movement. Figueredo attempted to counter with powerful hooks but struggled to close the distance.

By the second round, Sandhagen’s leg kicks became a significant factor. He landed clean inside and outside low kicks, visibly affecting Figueredo’s ability to maneuver. The accumulation of damage slowed Figueredo’s offensive output and limited his footwork.

In the third and fourth rounds, Sandhagen continued to exploit Figueredo's compromised lead leg. Figueredo’s defense weakened, preventing him from mounting any significant offense. Sandhagen controlled the tempo and space, ultimately leading to a clear victory, as detailed in the UFC Des Moines results.

Impact and Severity of Figueredo’s Knee Injury

Sandhagen’s targeted attack resulted in a visible injury to Figueredo’s knee. Figueredo was seen grimacing and favoring his damaged leg as the rounds progressed. Medical observers on-site expressed concern over the possibility of ligament damage based on his limited mobility and the swelling seen between rounds.

The compromised knee prevented Figueredo from generating power on his punches and diminished his defensive abilities. During post-fight interviews, his team reported immediate pain and instability in the knee. The extent of the injury is still being evaluated, but immediate post-fight commentary described the situation as a substantial setback for the former champion’s hopes of a quick return.

Key Moments Leading to Sandhagen’s Victory

Sandhagen’s low kicks early in the fight set the tone. One key sequence in round two featured Sandhagen landing three consecutive calf kicks, each one further compromising Figueredo’s stance.

On the feet, Sandhagen mixed up his attacks, switching stances and using feints to draw reactions.

He exploited openings with pinpoint accuracy, particularly during exchanges where Figueredo’s footwork was visibly hampered. These tactical adjustments, along with his measured pressure, allowed Sandhagen to neutralize Figueredo and secure the win as noted in multiple fight card recaps.

Cory Sandhagen Calls for UFC Title Shot

Cory Sandhagen delivered a dominant win over Deiveson Figueredo in the main event of UFC Des Moines, targeting Figueredo’s knee and neutralizing his offense. This victory has led Sandhagen to directly call for his long-awaited UFC bantamweight title opportunity.

Post-Fight Interview and Title Shot Demand

After the fight, Sandhagen was clear in his post-fight interview about his expectations. He named both Sean O'Malley and Merab Dvalishvili, stating, “I want the winner,” which puts the top contenders on notice.

He also volunteered to be the backup for the title fight if needed, underlining his readiness and willingness to fight at any time. Sandhagen emphasized his goal of becoming a world champion and expressed confidence that his latest win should be the deciding factor to secure a title shot. For details on his direct post-fight demand, see this interview coverage.

Sandhagen’s Path to the Title

Sandhagen’s journey to this moment has included several highlight victories. Prior to defeating Figueredo, he secured wins over top contenders, such as Marlon Moraes, which restored his status in the division after previous setbacks.

He has consistently faced top-ranked opponents and demonstrated technical versatility with striking, grappling, and fight IQ. His ability to finish fights, along with recent performances, has strengthened his argument for a title shot. Sandhagen is now recognized by many analysts as a logical next challenger at bantamweight, especially after his convincing display in Des Moines.

Implications for the UFC Bantamweight Division

Sandhagen's assertive call for a title shot adds pressure to current and upcoming titleholders in the bantamweight division. With O'Malley and Dvalishvili being the standout names in contention, the division is set for high-stakes matchups.

If Sandhagen is granted the title opportunity, it will reshape the competitive landscape and force other contenders to reconsider their paths. Fans and analysts expect that Sandhagen, given his recent performances, could bring fresh dynamics to the UFC bantamweight title picture. For more on the divisional impact, visit the detailed analysis.