The UFC makes it's debut appearance in Des Moines as Iowa MMA fans get the chance to witness an event for the first time since June 2000 where Kevin Randleman and Pedro Rizzo squared off at UFC 26. The headliner is a Bantamweight matchup between the #4 contender, Cory Sandhagen, and the #5 contender, Deiveson Figueiredo. Here is everything you need to know before it all begins in the Wells Fargo Arena.
Sandhagen had his three-fight winning streak snapped at UFC Abu Dhabi where he lost to Umar Nurmagomedov by unanimous decision, coming so close to a title shot.
The Sandman has beaten some of the toughest names in the 135-pound division, including Frankie Edgar, Song Yadong and Marlon Vera.
The Colorado-born fighter has stopped 10 of his 17 victories, winning seven of those by KO/TKO and three by submission.
The #4 contender is looking for redemption for the third time in the UFC and a win in this main event could put him one step away from clinching that Bantamweight title opportunity.
Figueiredo also had his three-fight winning streak snapped in his last bout when he lost to Petr Yan by unanimous decision at UFC Macau, possibly being one fight away from fighting for UFC gold.
The former UFC Flyweight Champion has been rather impressive ever since he made his Bantamweight debut, defeating the likes of Rob Font, Cody Garbrandt and Marlon Vera.
The Brazilian doesn't often go the distance in his contests as he claims nine knockouts and submissions out of 24 wins in his MMA career.
The #5 contender is in a similar position to Sandhagen as he needs to be triumphant if he wants to become a two-division champion in the UFC.
other fights you should look out for
Reinier De Ridder vs Bo Nickal - De Ridder earned his most impressive win of his MMA career in his last bout when he stopped Kevin Holland by first-round submission at UFC 311. RDR holds 19 victories with four ending by KO/TKO and 13 by submission. The #13 Middleweight contender is looking to make a rise in the division, but before he can do that, he needs to take out the promising prospect in his weight class.
Nickal went the distance for the first time in his career as he defeated Paul Craig by unanimous decision at UFC 309. The Rifle-born fighter has two KO/TKO wins and four submissions which have helped him stay undefeated in MMA. The former freestyle wrestler has the perfect chance of entering the Middleweight rankings as he will want to prove why he is one of the biggest prospects in the UFC.
Jeremy Stephens vs Mason Jones - Stephens' last appearance in the UFC was back in July 2021 when he lost to Mateusz Gamrot by first-round submission at UFC Vegas 31. Out of 50 professional fights on his MMA record, Lil' Heathen has claimed 19 knockouts and two submissions. With an interesting return for the veteran, he will be eager to win as out of his last nine MMA bouts, he has only won once.
Jones is currently on a four-fight winning streak, earning his return to the UFC after getting an unanimous decision win against Michael Pagani at Cage Warriors 175. The Welshman is yet to be stopped while holding seven KO/TKO wins and three submissions. The Blaenavon-born mixed martial artist has previously fought four time with the UFC, only winning once as he looks to make an improvement in his second stint.
Yana Santos vs Miesha Tate - Santos snapped her three-fight losing streak in her last fight, winning by unanimous decision against Chelsea Chandler at UFC Vegas 95. Out of 15 triumphs in her career, the Russian has stopped seven of her conquered opponents by KO/TKO, as well as one by submission. The #10 Women's Bantamweight contender will be looking to earn her third winning streak in the UFC and claim a positive record with the organisation.
Tate snapped her two-fight losing streak in her last bout when she submitted Julia Avila in the third round at UFC Austin. The former UFC Women's Bantamweight division is known for her ground game as eight of her 20 victories have ended by submission. The #12 contender has not fought since December 2023 as she aims to shine after a long layout from stepping in the Octagon.
Who wins between Cory Sandhagen and Deiveson Figueiredo? Which fight are you looking forward to the most?
Written by Charlie Oxtoby
Instagram: charlie_oxtoby
MMA Instagram: undisputed._.mma
Twitter: Charlie_Oxtoby1
TikTok: Combat Talk With The Ox
Add comment
Comments