Cory Sandhagen showcased his skills at UFC Fight Night on Saturday by dominating former two-time flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo in the main event held in Des Moines. Sandhagen’s performance was nothing short of impressive, as he was clearly on track for either a decision victory or a potential finish when the bout was abruptly halted just before the end of Round 2 due to an injury sustained by Figueiredo. Despite the fight ending in an unfortunate manner, Sandhagen has made a strong case for himself as a top contender for the bantamweight title.
With Sandhagen's dominance evident, the question remains whether the UFC views him as the number one contender within the bantamweight division. As he looks to secure a title shot, bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili is set for a championship rematch against Sean O’Malley at UFC 316 on June 7, which has added another layer of intrigue to the division.
In a recent episode of “On To the Next One,” renowned MMA analyst Alexander K. Lee discussed potential next steps for Sandhagen. The bantamweight title picture is heating up as Dvalishvili and O’Malley prepare to face off, making Sandhagen’s position even more critical. If Dvalishvili successfully defends his title, it could pave the way for Sandhagen to vie for the championship in the near future.
In addition to Sandhagen's victory, the podcast episode also touched upon other important fights and fighters in the MMA landscape. Notably, Reinier de Ridder’s impressive performance against Bo Nickal added weight to de Ridder's position in the middleweight rankings. After humbling Nickal, upcoming matchups for both fighters are worth discussing as Nickal seeks to bounce back from his first loss in professional MMA.
The episode further highlighted notable performances from the main card, such as bantamweight winners Montel Jackson and Serhiy Sidey. Each fighter displayed their potential, setting the stage for future matchups that could further shift rankings and intrigue fans. Veteran welterweight Daniel Rodriguez is also in the spotlight, as he aims to make his mark in a demanding division.
In a weekend where more combat sports action was anticipated, the podcast offered listener picks as a way to engage fans, turning a potentially dull weekend into an insightful discussion about the future of several fighters. Whether it's through Sandhagen's pursuit of the bantamweight title or de Ridder's ascent in the middleweight division, each fighter’s path holds the promise of excitement for fans.
For those interested in deeper analysis and expert commentary, audio versions of the podcast are available on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio, ensuring fans can stay connected with the latest developments in the world of MMA.
