UFC Returns to Iowa After 25 Years with Cory Sandhagen's Triumphant Victory

Des Moines, Iowa — The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) made a triumphant return to Iowa on May 3, 2025, after a 25-year hiatus, hosting a thrilling event at the Wells Fargo Arena. The highlight of the evening was bantamweight contender Cory Sandhagen's decisive second-round technical knockout (TKO) victory over former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo, a win that significantly bolsters Sandhagen's prospects for a title shot.

This event marked the UFC's first visit to Iowa since UFC 26 in June 2000, underscoring the promotion's commitment to expanding its reach and engaging with diverse fan bases. The card featured a series of compelling matchups, culminating in the headline bout between Sandhagen and Figueiredo.

Sandhagen, entering the fight with a professional record of 17 wins and 5 losses, was seeking redemption after a unanimous decision loss to Umar Nurmagomedov in August 2024. Figueiredo, a former two-time UFC Flyweight Champion from Brazil, had recently moved up to the bantamweight division following a loss to Petr Yan in November 2024.

The main event showcased Sandhagen's striking prowess and grappling skills. The fight concluded in the second round when Figueiredo suffered a knee injury during a grappling exchange, leading to a TKO victory for Sandhagen. This performance earned Sandhagen a Performance of the Night bonus.

In the co-main event, Reinier de Ridder, a former two-division ONE Championship titleholder, faced Bo Nickal, a three-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion. De Ridder secured a TKO victory in the second round with a knee to the body, marking his third consecutive win since joining the UFC in September 2024.

Other notable fights included Daniel Rodriguez achieving a TKO victory over Santiago Ponzinibbio in a welterweight bout. Additionally, Azamat Bekoev and Quang Le delivered standout performances, each earning Performance of the Night bonuses.

Leading up to the event, betting odds favored Sandhagen with a 1.20 line, while Figueiredo was listed at 3.90. Bo Nickal was the favorite against Reinier de Ridder, with odds of -375 to +295, respectively.

Hosting the UFC event provided a significant economic boost to Des Moines, attracting fans from across the region and showcasing the city's capacity to host major sporting events.

Sandhagen's victory positions him as a leading contender for the UFC Bantamweight Championship, potentially setting up a bout against the winner of the upcoming fight between Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O'Malley.

The UFC's return to Iowa was marked by compelling performances and significant outcomes that have the potential to reshape the bantamweight division. Cory Sandhagen's decisive victory not only enhances his championship prospects but also underscores the dynamic and evolving nature of the UFC landscape.