Check Petersen vs. Mayes prediction for UFC fight on Saturday. The UFC Des Moines prelims bring the heavyweight heat this Saturday, as Thomas “The Train” Petersen steps into the Octagon against Don’Tale “Lord Kong” Mayes in a must-watch brawl with major bounce-back implications for both fighters.
Live from Wells Fargo Arena in Iowa, this clash of American heavyweights could end in a flash — or turn into a grueling, three-round battle.
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📺 Where to Watch Petersen vs. Mayes? (UFC Des Moines – May 3, 2025)
- 📅 Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
- 🕢 Time: Part of the UFC Des Moines prelims (Check local listings)
- 📍 Venue: Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines, IA
- 📺 Broadcast: ESPN / ESPN+ / UFC Fight Pass
🧾 Thomas Petersen vs. Don’Tale Mayes – Betting Odds
| Bet Type | Pick | Odds |
| Moneyline | Thomas Petersen | -258 |
| Don’Tale Mayes | +210 | |
| Method of Victory | Petersen by KO/TKO | +120 |
| Petersen by Decision | +250 | |
| Petersen by Submission | +550 | |
| Mayes by KO/TKO | +500 | |
| Mayes by Submission | +850 | |
| Mayes by Decision | +600 | |
| Over/Under Rounds | Over 1.5 Rounds | +110 |
| Under 1.5 Rounds | -140 | |
| Round Betting | Petersen in Round 1 | +200 |
| Petersen in Round 2 | +300 | |
| Mayes in Round 1 | +800 |
📈 Fighter Tale of the Tape
| Category | Thomas Petersen | Don’Tale Mayes |
| Record | 9-3-0 | 11-8-0 (1 NC) |
| Age | 30 | 33 |
| Height | 6’1″ | 6’6″ |
| Weight | 264 lbs | 260 lbs |
| Reach | 74″ | 81″ |
| Stance | Southpaw | Orthodox |
| Strikes Landed Per Min | 4.45 | 3.49 |
| Striking Accuracy | 60% | 43% |
| Strikes Absorbed Per Min | 3.99 | 3.77 |
| Takedown Avg (15 min) | 2.67 | 1.17 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 46% | 38% |
| Takedown Defense | 85% | 57% |
🔍 Recent Form & Fight History
🟥 Thomas Petersen
- ❌ Lost to Shamil Gaziev – TKO (Round 1, Feb 2025)
- ✅ Defeated Mohammed Usman – Unanimous Decision (July 2024)
- ❌ Lost to Jamal Pogues – Unanimous Decision (Feb 2024)
Petersen’s power is real, but recent inconsistency — and a tough KO loss just a few months ago — makes this a crucial bounce-back opportunity. He lands a high volume of strikes and boasts one of the highest striking accuracies among UFC heavyweights.
🟦 Don’Tale Mayes
- ❌ Lost to Valter Walker – Submission (Heel Hook, Round 1, Feb 2025)
- ❌ Lost to Shamil Gaziev – Unanimous Decision (Aug 2024)
- ✅ Defeated Caio Machado – Unanimous Decision (Apr 2024)
Mayes enters with more UFC experience but has dropped back-to-back fights, including a disappointing quick tap via submission. Still, his reach and size make him a threat in any exchange.
💣 Keys to Victory
Thomas Petersen
- ✅ Land Early: He needs to pressure and unleash big shots before Mayes settles in.
- ✅ Close the Distance: Getting inside that 81-inch reach is crucial.
- ✅ Mix in Takedowns: A 46% takedown accuracy paired with an 85% defense rate makes him a grappling threat.
Don’Tale Mayes
- ✅ Keep It Long: Use his 7-inch reach advantage to frustrate Petersen from range.
- ✅ Stay Mobile: Footwork will be key to avoid the early storm.
- ✅ Grappling Defense: Needs to stop the takedowns and stay off the mat.
🧠 Stats Comparison: Striking & Grappling
Significant Strikes
| Stat | Petersen | Mayes |
| Sig. Strikes Landed/Min | 4.45 | 3.49 |
| Sig. Striking Accuracy | 60% | 43% |
| Sig. Strikes Absorbed/Min | 3.99 | 3.77 |
| Striking Defense | 57% | 46% |
Grappling
| Stat | Petersen | Mayes |
| Takedowns/15 min | 2.67 | 1.17 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 46% | 38% |
| Takedown Defense | 85% | 57% |
| Sub Attempts/15 min | 0.4 | 0.8 |
🏥 Injury Watch & Fight Camp Notes
- Thomas Petersen: No injuries reported. Quick turnaround from Feb TKO loss.
- Don’Tale Mayes: No injuries reported. Sub loss in February means both fighters are on short rest.
Petersen continues to train out of Spartan MMA, while Mayes has been sharpening his tools with Jackson-Wink MMA — a gym known for heavyweight development.
💵 Best Bets & Props
| Bet Type | Pick | Odds |
| 🥇 Moneyline | Thomas Petersen | -258 |
| 💣 Method of Victory | Petersen via KO/TKO | +120 |
| 🕒 Round Betting | Fight Ends in Round 2 | +300 |
| 📉 Over/Under Rounds | Under 2.5 Rounds | -140 |
🔮 ClutchBuzz Final Petersen vs. Mayes Prediction
Thomas Petersen has the tools to win this one, and unless Mayes fights the perfect long-range fight, it’s likely “The Train” bulldozes his way to a finish. Petersen is more efficient in both striking and grappling, and with both fighters coming off recent losses, expect urgency early.
🥊 Final Pick: Thomas Petersen via TKO (Round 2)
🔥 Confidence Level: 8/10
