UFC Des Moines Cory Sandhagen vs Deiveson Figueiredo Fight Card Analysis, Best Bets, & Predictions

The bout was made official and the main event for UFC Des Moines is set to kick off tonight in Iowa. Featuring two high level veteran bantamweights, its no surprise how anticipated this match up is.

Deiveson Figueiredo is a former fly weight champion and veteran of the UFC. The self proclaimed “God Of War” has seen over 18 UFC bouts, spending most of his career in the flyweight division.

2 years ago he made the jump up to bantamweight and has been making a name for himself in this division as well. Rattling off 3 straight wins before running into the train that is Petr Yan.

He seemed to find new life at 38 years old in the bantamweight division. By not killing himself to make the weight at 125, he has gained a step back in his game.

His cardio has vastly improved, his chin has looked better, and he has been able to keep a pace up for the duration of his fights. At bantamweight, he has been able to show off his grappling most. Landing over 9 takedowns and racking up control time to secure the victory.

In his most recent loss to Petr Yan father time started rear his ugly head. Figueiredo looked slow, was unable to get the takedowns, and was overall out skilled on the feet.

His cardio was not up to par and he fell off in the later rounds. The fight miles certainly seemed like they were catching up and I believe the slide of the once great fighter, is now upon us.

Will Sandhagen Get Back In The Win Column?

Cory Sandhagen is looking to get back into the win column after a tough loss to rising prospect Umar Nurmogomedov. Riding a 3 fight unbeaten streak into that fight, the loss was incredibly deflating for his title aspirations.

Even in picking up the loss, Sandhagen did not show that he had lost a step or was unmotivated. He was simply out grappled and out hustled in most grappling situations in the fight, understandably against a dagestani.

He has made a career for himself using his footwork, long jab, and wild striking style to propel himself to the top of the division. Later in his career, he has improved his takedown defense and added a wrestling wrinkle of his own.

In true veteran fashion, his fight IQ and gameplan for fights has grown exponentially over his tenure. Earlier in his career he would go to war, engage in brawls and now at this point, he has begun choosing the path of least resistance.

At this point in his career I believe Sandhagen is as complete of a mixed martial artist as we will see. I do not believe it is far fetched to say this is the perfect time for Sandhagen to make a run for the title.

I believe Sandhagen has all of the tools needed to make this fight against a former champ in Figueiredo , look easy.

Main Event – Cory Sandhagen vs Deiveson Figueiredo Prediction: Cory Sandhagen Wins (-460) at Betonline

Main Event – Cory Sandhagen vs Deiveson Figueiredo Best Bet: Under 4.5 Total Rounds (+165) at Betonline

 

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UFC Des Moines Co – Main Event: Bo Nickal vs Reinier De Ridder Analysis, Best Bet, & Prediction

In a huge match up in the Middleweight division, we see 2 hype trains meet in the octagon. Both fighters have been on impressive runs and the winner of this fight tosses their hat squarely into the title picture.

Reinier De Ridder is a grappling specialist that has made the most of his UFC run since being signed in 2024. Rattling off 3 straight wins while finishing all 3 fights, de Ridder has looked very impressive.

He was signed from the ONE fighting promotion where he made a name for himself and went on a 7-2 run. Eventually winning the middleweight title and defending his belt 3 times.

Reinier de Ridder was on a 2 fight losing streak before being signed. Since, he has made vast improvements in his striking and cardio to improve as an overall prospect.

The grappling is the most dangerous part of his game, being a BJJ black belt with slick submission skills. Getting the fight to the ground is a different story.

Shooting reckless takedowns at times, lunging at legs and just overall telegraphing his intention to wrestle. All though ugly, he has always found a way to get the fight to the matt.

In the striking department he is very hittable , with very poor striking defense. Offensively his boxing has made improvements and he isnt as much of a sitting duck anymore.

At 34 years old , I believe de Ridder is a finished product with many weaknesses. It is now or never for him with a very tall task of getting past the undefeated prospect in front of him.

Will Nickal take the next step towards the title?

Bo Nickal is a high level prospect coming into this fight riding a massive hype train. He has racked up 6 straight wins under the UFC banner, essentially becoming a home grown talent.

A former 3x Division 1 all american and 3x national champion in wrestling. He is a very decorated wrestler that has had to round out his skillset on the job seeing 5 fights in just 2 years.

His ability to secure a takedown & control a fighter is some of the best in the world. Finding his calling in MMA, Nickal has transitioned into the game just fine.

Improving his BJJ and training with some of the best grapplers in the world he has added another level of danger to his game. We have seen his striking take a huge step up with his boxing and distance control getting much better with each fight.

The fight IQ has also seen growth, creating and executing game plans for each of his opponents. In each fight , Bo gets better and better.

Coming off a disappointing performance over Paul Craig, I fully expect Nickal to be aggressive in this match up and look for a finish. I beleive he will be able to find and exploit the holes in de Ridder’s game to secure a win in impressive fashion.

Co – Main Event Bo Nickal vs Reinier de Ridder Prediction: Bo Nickal Wins (-370) at Betonline

Co – Main Event Bo Nickal vs Reinier de Ridder Best Bet: Bo Nickal Wins Inside the Distance (-130) at Betonline

UFC Des Moines: Jeremy Stephens vs Mason Jones Analysis, Best Bet, Prediction – Lightweight

This is a violent match up that will see both fighters make their return under the UFC banner. Both Stephens and Jones left the promotion for different reasons, but are both back for a match up in Stephens home town of Des Moines.

Jeremy Stephens is UFC veteran with over 33 fights in the promotion. Running a record of 15-18 with 7 highlight reel knock out wins in his tenure.

4 years ago he left the UFC for a short PFL stint where he went 1-2. Stephens then went on to make a name for himself and revive his career in the Bare Knuckle boxing scene.

2 massive knockout victories has created a little bit of hype for himself even at the ripe age of 38 years old. Stephens has always carried power in the striking department, so its no surprise to see him excel in BKFC.

His overall MMA skills are a different story though. With some very poor takedown defense and even worse scrambling abilities, once his back hits the matt he is usually stuck there for the rest of the round.

Typically being durable over his MMA Career he has only been knocked out 3 times in his 33 fight stint. On the feet , Stephens carries such power in his hands he can be a problem for anyone.

Will The Prospect Make The Most Of His 2nd Opportunity?

Mason Jones will make his return to the UFC tonight after a quick 1-2 stint with the promotion. He turned down a 2nd contract with the promotion to return to Cage warriors, as he felt he had things to work on.

He went on to rip off 4 wins in a row under the promotion, finishing 3 of those fights. The prospect has seemingly tightened up some holes in his game and is ready to make his return vs a tough Veteran in Stephens.

With a very well rounded skill set, there is a lot of potential for the welch prospect at just 30 years old. It seems as if he is finally ready for the bright lights of the UFC.

Jones has great wrestling and takedowns , with solid control once getting the fight to the matt. When on the ground, he has vicious ground and pound  wearing down his opponents with relentless transitions.

His BJJ game is also top notch, with 3 submission wins and many slick attempts. Jones is very well rounded with his main weakness being his striking defense and willingness to take punches.

In such a dangerous match up against stevens, I expect Mason Jones to take the path of least resistance here. I believe Stephens is feisty enough on the ground to not get finished, and push this fight into the later rounds.

In a heavy grappling paced fight, I expect both fighters to gas out a little bit. I trust Mason Jones ability to hold a fighter down, and believe he will secure the control time all the way until the final bell.

UFC Des Moines Jeremy Stephens vs Mason Jones Prediction: Mason Jones Wins By Decision (+150) at Betonline

UFC Des Moines Jeremy Stephens vs Mason Jones Best Bet: Over 2.5 Total Rounds (+110) at Betonline

 

• UFC Des Moines Schedule & FAQ:

  When is UFC Des Moines?

  • UFC Des Moines will take place Saturday, May 3rd, 2025.

  Where is UFC Des Moines?

  • UFC Des Moines will go down live at The Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa.

  What time does UFC Des Moines start?

  • UFC Des Moines Preliminary Card start time: 6 p.m. ET
  • UFC Des Moines Main Card start time: 10 p.m. ET

  How to Watch UFC Des Moines?

  • UFC Des Moines Preliminary Card Coverage: ESPN+
  • UFC Des Moines Coverage: ESPN+,

  How to Bet on UFC Des Moines?

  • Most international and domestic sportsbooks will carry odds for a fight card of this caliber but click here for some sites and applications us bettors here at Betting News recommend for a great UFC betting experience.

  If one thing is for sure, Saturday’s card is sure to bring the action. I hope this betting guide helps bring more context to your UFC entertainment experience.

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