UFC Des Moines took place on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa, showcasing an electrifying night of mixed martial arts action. The main event featured a highly anticipated bantamweight clash between Cory Sandhagen and Deiveson Figueiredo, both fighters eager to secure their place in the championship conversation.
Sandhagen, known for his striking prowess and tactical acumen, was looking to rebound from previous setbacks and position himself for a title shot against the likes of Sean O'Malley or the current champion Merab Dvalishvili. Meanwhile, Figueiredo, a former flyweight champion, aimed to reestablish himself after a challenging run in the octagon.
The co-main event saw Bo Nickal, an undefeated prospect, face off against Reinier de Ridder, a seasoned veteran looking to make waves in the middleweight division. The main card also featured exciting bouts including Santiago Ponzinibbio versus Daniel Rodriguez, Montel Jackson against Daniel Marcos, Cameron Smotherman taking on Serhiy Sidey, and Jeremy Stephens battling Mason Jones.
As the night unfolded, fans were treated to a series of thrilling contests, culminating in a dramatic main event that kept everyone on the edge of their seats.
In the main event, Cory Sandhagen delivered a statement performance, defeating Deiveson Figueiredo by TKO due to injury at 4:08 of Round 2. Sandhagen dominated the fight, showcasing his striking and grappling skills. The finish came when Figueiredo suffered a knee injury while entangled in a scramble, forcing the referee to stop the contest.
“I felt great in there,” Sandhagen said after the fight. “I was able to impose my will and show that I belong at the top of this division. I’m ready for whoever has the belt next.” His victory not only showcased his skills but also put him back in the title picture, making him a formidable contender.
In the co-main event, Reinier de Ridder faced Bo Nickal, who was also looking to maintain his unbeaten streak. However, de Ridder had other plans, finishing Nickal by TKO with a knee strike to the body at 1:53 of Round 2. This victory marked de Ridder’s third consecutive win in the UFC, solidifying his status as a rising star in the middleweight category.
“This is a huge win for me,” de Ridder stated post-fight. “Beating an undefeated prospect like Nickal shows that I’m ready for the top fighters in this division.” His performance was a clear message to the middleweight landscape that he is a contender to watch.
In another thrilling bout, Daniel Rodriguez faced off against Santiago Ponzinibbio. Rodriguez secured a TKO victory at 1:12 of Round 3, showcasing his striking power and earning his second consecutive win. “D-Rod” capitalized on a stumble from Ponzinibbio, delivering a three-punch combination that sent his opponent to the canvas.
Montel Jackson continued his winning streak against Daniel Marcos, winning by unanimous decision with scores of 30-27 across the board. Jackson’s performance was marked by effective striking and control, handing Marcos his first professional loss.
Serhiy Sidey also picked up a unanimous decision victory against Cameron Smotherman, demonstrating his well-rounded skills throughout the fight. The judges scored the bout 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28 in favor of Sidey, who showed he is a fighter to be reckoned with in the bantamweight division.
The night began with an exciting matchup between Mason Jones and Jeremy Stephens. Jones emerged victorious by unanimous decision, showcasing a mix of striking and grappling to control the fight. The judges scored the bout 30-27 across the board, marking a successful return for Jones to the UFC.
The preliminary card featured several notable bouts as well. Former UFC Bantamweight champion Miesha Tate faced Yana Santos, with Santos winning by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28). This victory added to Santos's momentum as she continues to climb the ranks in the division.
In another preliminary bout, Ryan Loder faced Azamat Bekoev, with Bekoev winning by TKO at 2:44 of Round 1. Gillian Robertson also secured a TKO victory over Marina Rodriguez in Round 2 at 2:07, further showcasing the depth of talent on display.
Quang Le defeated Gaston Bolanos by technical submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:54 of Round 2, while Thomas Petersen earned a unanimous decision victory over Don’Tale Mayes. Juliana Miller rounded out the prelims with a split decision win against Ivana Petrovic.
The event was not just a showcase of thrilling fights but also a platform for fighters to solidify their positions in their respective divisions. With Sandhagen’s impressive win, de Ridder’s rise, and Rodriguez’s powerful performance, the UFC Des Moines event demonstrated the excitement and unpredictability of mixed martial arts.
As fans look ahead, the implications of these results will resonate throughout the divisions, with potential matchups and title implications on the horizon. The UFC continues to deliver exhilarating action, and Des Moines was no exception, leaving fans eager for what’s next in the octagon.
