Sandhagen was back in the Octagon in the main event of Saturday's UFC card in Des Moines, Iowa, taking on former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo in a clash of top-five bantamweights. The 33-year-old ended up winning in style, dominating the former flyweight champ in the first round and finishing him after an apparent knee injury in Round 2.

Sandhagen (17-5) is a curious case. He's been dubbed a future UFC champion for half a decade, but he has repeatedly fallen short in crucial moments. The four fighters to beat Sandhagen in the Octagon fought for UFC titles immediately after. Stuck in status on the cusp of greatness should be frustrating; Sandhagen only sees the beauty.

Cory Sandhagen turned in a phenomenal performance before an injury to Deiveson Figueiredo caused an abrupt end to the UFC on ESPN 67 main event.