As the excitement builds for UFC on ESPN, fans are gearing up for an electrifying night of fights at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa. This event, taking place on Saturday, May 3, 2025, features a highly anticipated main event between bantamweights Cory Sandhagen and Deiveson Figueiredo. Both fighters are looking to secure their shot at the title, making this matchup a must-watch for any MMA enthusiast.
The Main Event: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo
Cory Sandhagen: The Comeback Kid
Cory Sandhagen, known as "The Sandman," enters the Octagon with a professional record of 17 wins and 5 losses. At 33 years old, Sandhagen is eager to bounce back after a tough unanimous decision loss to Umar Nurmagomedov last August, which halted his impressive three-fight winning streak. With 10 of his victories coming by way of finish, including 7 knockouts and 3 submissions, Sandhagen is a dynamic striker with a well-rounded skill set.
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Performance Bonuses: Sandhagen has earned four performance bonuses during his UFC career, showcasing his ability to deliver exciting fights. Notably, he received the "Fight of the Night" honors twice for his bouts against Iuri Alcantara and Petr Yan, and twice the "Performance of the Night" for his victories over Marlon Moraes and Frankie Edgar.
Deiveson Figueiredo: The Veteran Challenger
On the other side of the cage stands Deiveson Figueiredo, a seasoned fighter with a record of 24 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw. At 37 years old, Figueiredo is a former two-time flyweight champion who made the move up to bantamweight in 2023. He has a reputation for finishing fights, with 18 of his victories coming by way of knockout or submission.
Figueiredo's last outing ended in disappointment, as he suffered a loss to Petr Yan in November. However, he has rebounded well in the bantamweight division, boasting a record of 3 wins and 1 loss at this weight class. Known as "Deus da Guerra," Figueiredo is a formidable opponent with a wealth of experience.
Fight Card Overview
The UFC on ESPN event features an exciting lineup of fights, with the main card set to begin at 10 p.m. ET. Here’s a look at the complete fight card:
Main Card (10 p.m. ET)
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Men's Bantamweight: Cory Sandhagen vs. Deiveson Figueiredo
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Men's Middleweight: Reinier de Ridder vs. Bo Nickal
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Men's Welterweight: Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Daniel Rodriguez
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Men's Bantamweight: Montel Jackson vs. Daniel Marcos
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Men's Bantamweight: Cameron Smotherman vs. Serhiy Sidey
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Men's Lightweight: Jeremy Stephens vs. Mason Jones
Preliminary Card (7 p.m. ET)
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Women's Bantamweight: Yana Santos vs. Miesha Tate
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Men's Middleweight: Ryan Loder vs. Azamat Bekoev
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Women's Strawweight: Marina Rodriguez vs. Gillian Robertson
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Men's Bantamweight: Gaston Bolaños vs. Quang Le
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Men's Heavyweight: Thomas Petersen vs. Don'Tale Mayes
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Women's Flyweight: Juliana Miller vs. Ivana Petrovic
Key Storylines to Follow
Title Implications
The stakes couldn't be higher for both Sandhagen and Figueiredo. The winner of this bout is likely to earn a title shot in the bantamweight division, making this fight not just a personal battle but a pivotal moment in their careers.
Sandhagen's Resilience
After experiencing a setback, Sandhagen's ability to bounce back will be crucial. His striking skills and fight IQ will be put to the test against Figueiredo's aggressive style.
Figueiredo's Experience
Figueiredo's extensive experience in high-pressure situations could give him an edge. As a former champion, he knows what it takes to compete at the highest level, and his ability to adapt during fights will be key.
The Undercard: Rising Stars
While the main event garners most of the attention, the undercard features several rising stars eager to make their mark in the UFC. Notable matchups include:
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Reinier de Ridder vs. Bo Nickal: A clash of grappling specialists that promises to be an intriguing battle.
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Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Daniel Rodriguez: A welterweight showdown that could have significant implications for the rankings.
Conclusion: A Night to Remember
As UFC on ESPN approaches, the anticipation is palpable. With a thrilling main event featuring Cory Sandhagen and Deiveson Figueiredo, along with an exciting undercard, this event promises to deliver unforgettable moments for fight fans. Whether you're watching from home or attending in person, the energy of the Octagon is sure to captivate audiences worldwide.
Mark your calendars, gather your friends, and prepare for a night filled with adrenaline-pumping action. The Octagon awaits, and history is about to be made.
