On May 3, Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa, will play host to an electrifying UFC Fight Night, marking the promotion’s return to the state after a quarter-century hiatus. The headlining bout promises intense action as former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo takes on Cory Sandhagen in a pivotal bantamweight showdown. This matchup is particularly noteworthy, as both fighters are eager to reestablish their standings in a division marked by fierce competition and uncertainty.
Deiveson Figueiredo: Redemption Seeker
Deiveson Figueiredo, with a professional record of 24 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw, is jumping back into the octagon with a burning desire to reclaim his former glory. Ranked fifth in the bantamweight division, Figueiredo’s career trajectory took a daunting turn following a decision loss to Petr Yan. This defeat came after his transition from flyweight, where he notably lost his title to Brandon Moreno. A win against Sandhagen would not only revive his championship ambitions but also reinforce his status as a formidable fighter in a stacked roster. His ability to acclimatize to bantamweight, posting a 3-1 record since the move, demonstrates resilience and skill that will be crucial as he faces a stylistic challenge from Sandhagen.
Cory Sandhagen: The Underdog with a Fire
Cory Sandhagen, ranked fourth in the division and showcasing a respectable record of 17 wins against 5 losses, is looking to rebound after his recent setback against Umar Nurmagomedov. This defeat halted a promising three-fight winning streak, and he’s now faced with the pressure of not just seeking victory but doing so against an opponent of Figueiredo’s caliber. Sandhagen’s striking finesse and unpredictable fighting style make him a dangerous adversary. His understanding of movement and angles in striking could play a pivotal role against Figueiredo’s explosive counter-striking.
Co-Main Event: The Bo Nickal Phenomenon
The co-main event features the rising star Bo Nickal, who comes into the fight with an unblemished record of 7-0. Having made an impactful debut in the UFC, Nickal’s wrestling pedigree as a three-time NCAA Division I champion positions him as a future title contender. His quick ascent has been marred by criticism due to his last fight, where his decision victory over Paul Craig left fans craving a more dynamic performance. This upcoming fight against Reinier de Ridder, who holds a record of 19-2 and is recognized for his grappling prowess, presents Nickal with an opportunity to demonstrate his skills and stave off doubts lurking from his previous outing.
Reinier de Ridder: A Stalwart from ONE Championship
Reinier de Ridder, known as “The Dutch Knight,” has made a name for himself on the world stage with an impressive stint in ONE Championship, where he won multiple titles. His signing with the UFC adds a new layer of intrigue to this matchup, particularly as he looks to cement his place among the elite middleweights after losing both his titles in back-to-back fights. With two submission victories in his latest UFC appearances, de Ridder’s grappling presents a real threat to Nickal, setting the stage for a clash of titans.
This UFC Fight Night event is shaping up to deliver high-stakes drama, with fighters aiming to catapult themselves back into title contention or showcase their prowess on one of the sport’s biggest stages. The nights of glory and redemption will hang in the air as they step into the cage for what promises to be an unforgettable evening of mixed martial arts.
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