Breaking: Sandhagen vs Figueiredo Set to Headline UFC Des Moines as Promotion Returns to Iowa

MMA fans, mark your calendars for May 3rd. The UFC is bringing the heat to Des Moines, Iowa with a bantamweight clash that’s got everyone talking. Former flyweight king Deiveson Figueiredo will face technical striking specialist Cory Sandhagen in what promises to be five rounds of absolute warfare.

This matchup isn’t just exciting—it’s potentially career-defining for both men. Let me break down why this fight has hardcore fans buzzing and casual viewers should be paying attention.

UFC Returns to Iowa After 15-Year Absence

When the octagon gets set up in Des Moines this May, it’ll mark the promotion’s first visit to Iowa since 2009. That’s a 15-year drought finally coming to an end for Midwestern fight fans who’ve been starving for live UFC action.

The last time the UFC touched down in Iowa? UFC Fight Night 16 in Omaha, back when Rashad Evans knocked out the legendary Chuck Liddell in the main event. Yeah, it’s been that long.

This return to America’s heartland isn’t just another regional event—it’s a statement card headlined by two of the most technical fighters in the bantamweight division.

Sandhagen Continues Title Hunt Against Former Champion

Cory “The Sandman” Sandhagen (16-4) enters this bout looking to build on his impressive August victory over Rob Font. Currently sitting at #2 in the bantamweight rankings, the 31-year-old Colorado native has consistently proven himself against elite competition.

I’ve always been impressed by Sandhagen’s movement—the way he flows between striking ranges is something special. His flying knee KO of Frankie Edgar and spinning wheel kick finish of Song Yadong showcase the kind of creativity that makes him must-see TV.

A win here could finally secure Sandhagen the title shot that’s eluded him despite his technical brilliance and fan-friendly style.

Figueiredo’s Bantamweight Experiment Faces Crucial Test

Deiveson “Deus da Guerra” Figueiredo (22-3-1) isn’t just dipping his toes in the bantamweight waters—he’s diving in headfirst against elite competition. After moving up from flyweight following his trilogy with Brandon Moreno, the former 125-pound champion impressed in his bantamweight debut by defeating Rob Font last December.

But Sandhagen represents a significant step up in competition. At 5’11”, he’ll tower over the 5’5″ Brazilian, presenting unique challenges that Figueiredo hasn’t faced before.

What makes Figueiredo so dangerous is his combination of devastating power and submission savvy. The question is whether those tools translate against the division’s elite. This fight should provide definitive answers.

Bantamweight Division Gets More Complicated

Let’s be honest—the bantamweight division is absolute chaos right now. With champion Sean O’Malley likely facing Merab Dvalishvili next, and Umar Nurmagomedov making his case as a future contender, this fight adds another layer of intrigue to an already stacked division.

Is the UFC using this bout to determine who’s next in line after O’Malley vs. Dvalishvili? Or are they simply trying to thin the herd at the top of one of their most competitive divisions?

Either way, the winner of Sandhagen-Figueiredo instantly becomes impossible to ignore in title conversations.

What This Means for Iowa MMA Fans

For Iowa’s passionate fight community, this event represents a major win. The state has a rich wrestling tradition that has produced MMA talents like Josh Neer and Jeremy Stephens, but has been overlooked by the UFC for far too long.

Des Moines getting a main event of this caliber shows the UFC hasn’t forgotten about the Midwest market. If ticket sales are strong—and I expect they will be—it could mean more regular stops in the future.

My Prediction: Why This Fight Won’t Go The Distance

While the UFC hasn’t announced any other bouts for the Des Moines card yet, the main event alone justifies tuning in. Stylistically, this is fascinating—Sandhagen’s flowing movement and volume against Figueiredo’s explosive power and grappling prowess.

I’m calling it now: Someone’s getting finished. Sandhagen has the technical tools to pick apart Figueiredo at range, but the Brazilian has the kind of one-punch power that can change a fight in an instant.

The size difference will be significant, but don’t count out Figueiredo’s ability to close distance explosively. Remember what he did to Joseph Benavidez—twice.

Want to Witness UFC History in Iowa?

If you’re anywhere near Des Moines on May 3rd, this is not an event to miss. Tickets will likely go on sale in the coming weeks, and based on the UFC’s long absence from the region, I’d expect them to sell quickly.

Are you excited about this matchup? Who do you think takes it—Sandhagen’s technical precision or Figueiredo’s explosive power? Let me know in the comments!

I’ll be updating this article as more fights get added to the card, so check back for the latest on UFC Des Moines.