UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen defeats Deiveson Figueiredo via injury TKO, eyes title shot

UFC Fight Night Results: Cory Sandhagen Dominates Deiveson Figueiredo Before Injury TKO

Sandhagen calls for title shot after second-round stoppage in Des Moines main event

Cory Sandhagen took another decisive step toward a long-awaited UFC bantamweight title shot, dismantling Deiveson Figueiredo before scoring a second-round TKO win via injury in the main event of UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Des Moines, Iowa.

The finish came after a relentless first round, in which Sandhagen shut down Figueiredo’s offense and punished the former flyweight champion with clinical striking and top control. Figueiredo’s unorthodox reliance on leg lock attempts ultimately led to disaster.

⚔️ Fight Recap: Sandhagen dominates, Figueiredo folds

From the opening bell, "The Sandman" was in complete control. He neutralized Figueiredo’s grappling, avoided significant damage, and delivered a barrage of ground-and-pound that many observers scored as a 10-8 opening round.

In Round 2, the fighters ended up in a tangled 50-50 leg position. Sandhagen reversed and took top control. Seconds later, Figueiredo screamed in pain and submitted due to what appeared to be a leg or knee injury. The referee ruled the result a TKO due to injury, awarding Sandhagen the win at 1:22 of Round 2.

Sandhagen improves to 18–5, while Figueiredo drops to 24–5–1.

🎙️ Sandhagen's post-fight message: Title shot, now

The win, albeit via injury, caps a performance Sandhagen described as among his best.

“I’ve dreamed of being a world champion for more than half my life now,” he told the crowd post-fight.
“UFC, please give me the opportunity to show how great I am to the whole world.”

Sandhagen didn’t mince words when naming potential targets:

“Sean O’Malley or Merab [Dvalishvili], I want the winner. I’ll be the backup if they want.”

Notably, each of Sandhagen’s UFC losses has come against fighters who immediately went on to fight for the bantamweight title. With this win, he firmly plants himself back into the contender conversation.

🩹 Figueiredo’s future uncertain after injury

Saturday’s defeat halts the Brazilian’s run at bantamweight, where he had previously notched three consecutive wins. After dropping a decision to Dominick Cruz, this second straight loss — compounded by injury — puts his 135-pound campaign in jeopardy.

Figueiredo, a former two-time flyweight champion, may now need to consider a step back in competition or recovery time before plotting his return.

🏆 What's next for Sandhagen?

Sandhagen's precise, punishing style and durability make him a serious challenge for whoever holds the title. Whether it’s current champion Sean O'Malley or top contender Merab Dvalishvili, Sandhagen is ready — and his post-fight performance only strengthens his case to be next in line.

📊 Quick Results — UFC Fight Night (Des Moines)

• Cory Sandhagen def. Deiveson Figueiredo via TKO (injury), Round 2

• [Undercard results not included]

With another statement win added to his résumé, Sandhagen is no longer on the outside looking in. He’s ready for gold — and he made sure the UFC knows it.

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