Cory Sandhagen says that Deiveson's injury was not an accident at UFC Des Moines. Photo: Reproduction Instagram UFC
Deiveson Figueiredo is the newest member to join the Brazilian team that did not win their main fights in 2025. In UFC Des Moines, an event held this Saturday (3), the 'God of War' felt his knee when trying to defend himself on the ground and ended up knocked out by Cory Sandhagen in the second round. The fight was valid for the organization's bantamweight division (up to 61,2 kg).
However, Cory Sandhagen says that Deiveson's injury was not an accident. During the post-UFC Des Moines, the American took responsibility for the Brazilian's blown knee and explained the technique that resulted in his victory.
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“It was like a pop finish. It’s called a 50/50. If you don’t know how to do a 50/50, you’re going to blow out your knee. I spun under, I tried a 50/50 on my back, I didn’t get it, he got on top, I sat down really hard just to get on top, and if I sit down hard and you don’t back down, your knee is going to blow out. It happened to TJ [Dillashaw] when I did that to him, it happened to Figgy, I heard a really loud pop. So it wasn’t an accident. It was like, ‘Hey, Figgy, either you sit down or we’re going to blow out your knee.’ And that’s what happened,” Sandhagen said.
The 4th ranked bantamweight gave credit for his technique to coach Ryan Hall, who is a veteran in grappling. He says he was confused during the fight by Deiveson's reaction on the ground.
“He didn’t have any of that. I really don’t know what he was doing. Even when I hit him, he wouldn’t stop. My arm hurts from hitting him so much. I don’t really know what happened, but you’ll never beat me in leglocks,” he said.
Deiveson Figueiredo lose to Cory Sandhagen No. UFC Des Moines. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter
Sandhagen was asked if he would like to be the backup fighter in the title rematch between Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O'Malley in UFC 316, on June 7. However, the American has bolder plans.
“I think I deserve a title shot, anyway. Who else is there? Umar just fought for the belt and lost. Yan is coming off a win, but he’s also lost to both guys that are fighting, so I don’t know how exciting that would be. And then I finished Figgy in a round and a half, but Yan didn’t finish Figgy. Yan got taken down by Figgy, I think Figgy maybe hit me once. So I showed that I’m better. I showed that I’m the best and I deserve to be next. If the belt is next, I’ll wait. I don’t know for how long, but I’ll wait,” he concluded.
With the victory over Deiveson, Cory Sandhagen now has 18 wins and five losses on his record.
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