Cory Sandhagen returned to the UFC spotlight in emphatic fashion, scoring a second-round TKO victory over former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo in the main event at UFC Des Moines. The 33-year-old bantamweight contender showcased his technical prowess and composure throughout the bout, dominating Figueiredo from the opening bell.
Sandhagen controlled the first round with sharp striking and intelligent grappling, landing 31 significant strikes to Figueiredo’s two. The momentum continued in the second round, where a grappling exchange led to a pivotal moment. Figueiredo, hunting for a leglock, found himself trapped in a 50-50 position, a scenario Sandhagen expertly exploited. As Sandhagen scrambled on top, Figueiredo’s knee gave out, forcing him to the mat in visible pain. Referee Dan Miragliotta stepped in, awarding Sandhagen the TKO at 4:08 of Round 2.
