Cory Sandhagen is a -520 favorite and Deiveson Figuieredo is a +350 underdog at Sportsbook ahead of UFC DeS Moines in Iowa on May 3.
This is an interesting bantamweight clash, as Figgy and Sandhagen represent the upper echelon — perhaps in title contender territory — at 135 pounds. A statement win by either guy carries lots of stock.
I'm surprised to see the Sandhagen vs Figueiredo odds so steep, as these fighters aren't that far apart in skill. Either way, Des Moines is in for a good one over five rounds of action, should it get there.
Sandhagen vs Figueiredo Betting Odds
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Cory Sandhagen | -520 |
| Deiveson Figueiredo | +320 |
Odds as of April 29 at Sportsbook
How to Bet Sandhagen
I'm hoping UFC bettors will understand me when I say Sandhagen should be a strong favorite, but -520 is nuts, right? While Sandhagen is still strong at 33 years old and put up a fair fight vs Umar Nurmagomedov, he's not riding any crazy steam that warrants such chalk. I'll argue Figgy is Cory's toughest opponent (other than Umar) since his interim title fight vs Petr Yan in 2021.
That said, he's still my pick for this fight. I just wish we could twist our way around the odds. Cory isn't known as a finisher, and Figueiredo is tough to finish, especially since his chin has held up as he aged. You can weather the storm a bit by betting Sandhagen to win by decision (-150). It sucks, but sometimes the most obvious bet is the best one.
Yan couldn't put Figgy away last time. Sandhagen won't on May 3.
How to Bet Figueiredo
I suppose Figueiredo wins this bout by wrestling and using his strength. Figgy wrangled Yan to the ground in Round 1 of UFC Macau last November, flashing some early life before the Russian took over in the later rounds. Sandhagen wins if Figgy gives him that same amount of time at UFC Des Moines.
And this is where my logic hits a wall — Figgy won't finish Sandhagen either. So we're left with a 25-minute volume match, where Sandhagen and his height and reach win out. Take Figgy ML at +320 if you like him. I understand that logic, but I'm leaning toward Sandhagen.
Sandhagen vs Figueiredo Pick: UFC Des Moines
Cory Sandhagen should win this fight, but -520 is steep. Sandhagen by decision at -150 is the smarter play since Figgy's durability and Sandhagen's volume make it the most likely outcome.
