As the UFC makes its much-anticipated return to Iowa after a 25-year hiatus, excitement is palpable in the air. Scheduled for May 3 at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, this event promises to be more than just a fight card; it is poised to be a historic evening for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) enthusiasts. At the heart of the action is a thrilling matchup between former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo and the dynamic Cory Sandhagen. For both fighters, the stakes couldn’t be higher as they aim to regain their momentum and position themselves in the ever-competitive bantamweight division.
Figueiredo’s Redemption Tale
Deiveson Figueiredo, with a professional record of 24 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw (24-4-1), finds himself in a pivotal moment of his career. Ranked No. 5 in the bantamweight division, Figueiredo is eager to bounce back from a recent decision loss to Petr Yan, a defeat that marked a significant setback after his transition from flyweight, where he was once champion. This narrative of redemption is compelling; Figueiredo’s rise through the bantamweight ranks is not just about securing a win but reclaiming his identity as a top-level fighter. A victory against Sandhagen would not only restore his confidence but also position him closer to a title shot—a dream that has tantalized the Brazilian since he moved up in weight.
Sandhagen’s Quest for Validation
Across the cage, Cory Sandhagen stands ready to reassert himself after a disappointing loss to Umar Nurmagomedov, which halted a promising three-fight winning streak. His professional record of 17-5 underlines his prowess, but like Figueiredo, this fight represents a chance to prove his legitimacy as a title contender. Currently ranked No. 4 in the bantamweight division, Sandhagen understands the weight of the moment; the fight isn’t just about winning but about solidifying his reputation in a division filled with formidable adversaries. His striking skills and creativity are often lauded, and a knockout victory here could send shockwaves through the bantamweight landscape.
The Co-Main Event: Rising Star Meets Established Champion
In another exciting bout, the co-main event features the highly-touted Bo Nickal, a three-time NCAA Division I national champion, squaring off against Reinier de Ridder, a former TWO-division ONE Championship titleholder. Nickal, sporting an undefeated record of 7-0, has quickly made a name for himself in the UFC with a dynamic fighting style that captivates fans and critics alike. Yet, despite his success, his previous fight against Paul Craig was marred by criticism, demanding a statement performance from him against De Ridder, who himself has a storied background in global MMA.
Reinier de Ridder, known as “The Dutch Knight,” has made waves with his submission grappling, holding a record of 19 wins and 2 losses. His transition to the UFC was marked by successful stints in ONE Championship, where he claimed middleweight and light heavyweight titles. Both fighters are eager to make a mark in the UFC, yet it’s Nickal’s unblemished record that places him under a microscope. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can silence his critics and fully realize the potential as a future UFC champion.
Iowa’s MMA fans will not want to miss this electrifying evening, where redemption, validation, and the pursuit of glory converge inside the Octagon. The May 3 fight card is not just a contest of skill—it’s a pivotal moment in the careers of two fighters battling for credibility and the future of their journeys in the sport.
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