UFC Des Moines: Fight Card, Odds, Predictions And Parlays

Saturday, May 3, 2025, marks a historic night for fight fans in the heartland. After a quarter-century away, UFC Des Moines brings the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization back to Iowa — and this time, it’s personal. For those of us who grew up on cornfields and wrestling mats, this card isn’t just a spectacle; it’s a homecoming.

From the raucous roar inside Wells Fargo Arena to the smell of sweat and ambition in the locker rooms, every Iowan fight fan knows what this night means. Jeremy “Lil’ Heathen” Stephens, Des Moines’ own, fights in his hometown for the first time under the UFC spotlight, surrounded by corn-fed warriors and battle-tested dreamers. Add a stacked main card featuring Cory Sandhagen vs. Deiveson Figueiredo and Bo Nickal vs. Reinier de Ridder, and you’ve got a card that mixes legacy with raw firepower.

Let’s break it down, fight by fight, bet by bet — and explain why UFC Des Moines might just be one of the most emotionally charged events of the year. 

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📺 Where to Watch UFC Des Moines? (May 3, 2025)

• Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
• Venue: Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines, Iowa
• Start Time: Main card begins at 10:00 p.m. ET
• Broadcast: ESPN2 (Main Card), ESPN+ (Early Prelims & Prelims)

Why UFC Des Moines Matters

This UFC Fight Night isn’t just another entry on the calendar. For Iowa—specifically Des Moines—it’s a long-awaited return of the octagon. The last UFC event held here was in 2000, a time when the sport was barely legal in many states. Since then, Iowa has remained a breeding ground for wrestling and MMA talent, but hasn’t hosted a card—until now.

With Jeremy Stephens on the main card, one of the top 5 Iowa UFC fighters, the emotional narrative reaches another level. The “Lil Heathen”, born and raised in Des Moines, overcame a rough upbringing to fight his way to global recognition in the UFC and now PFL. Saturday night, Stephens faces Mason Jones in a lightweight bout that’s as much about legacy as it is competition.

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – MARCH 25: (R-L) Cory Sandhagen battles Marlon Vera in their Bantamweight fight during the UFC on ESPN 43 event at AT&T Center on March 25, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas, USA. (Photo by Louis Grasse/PxImages/Icon Sportswire) (Icon Sportswire via AP Images)

UFC Des Moines Main Card Preview & Predictions

🥊 Main Event: Cory Sandhagen vs. Deiveson Figueiredo (Bantamweight)

• Odds: Sandhagen -600 | Figueiredo +425
• Pick: Sandhagen via Unanimous Decision
• Why: Sandhagen’s length, movement, and volume striking will be overwhelming for the smaller Figueiredo. The former flyweight champ is tough, but Sandhagen’s reach and output should help him cruise to a decision.

Find a complete analysis of the main event fight Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo here.

🥋 Co-Main: Bo Nickal vs. Reinier de Ridder (Middleweight)

• Odds: Nickal -310 | de Ridder +250
• Pick: de Ridder via Submission (Round 2)
• Why: This might be the sleeper of the night. De Ridder has more experience and dangerous jiu-jitsu off his back. Nickal is elite in wrestling, but his top control will be tested like never before.

💥 Jeremy Stephens vs. Mason Jones (Lightweight)

• Odds: Stephens +145 | Jones -170
• Pick: Stephens via TKO (Round 1)
• Why: This isn’t just a fight. It’s an Iowa redemption story. Expect Stephens to go for broke in front of his people. Jones is tough, but he’s never dealt with a crowd like this or a hitter with “Lil Heathen” power.

Find a complete analysis of the fight between Iowa’s Jeremy Stephens vs. Mason Jones here.

⚡️ Montel Jackson vs. Daniel Marcos (Bantamweight)

• Odds: Jackson -205 | Marcos +170
• Pick: Jackson via Decision
• Why: Marcos is undefeated, but Jackson’s size, patience, and takedown game could shut down the Peruvian prospect. This is Jackson’s fight to lose if he stays composed.

Check a complete preview of Jackson vs. Marcos here.

👊 Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Daniel Rodriguez (Welterweight)

• Odds: Rodriguez +110 | Ponzinibbio -135
• Pick: Rodriguez via Decision
• Why: This is a coin-flip scrap, but Rodriguez’s volume and counterpunching may edge it. If he can stay on his feet and avoid a brawl, he wins this on the cards.

Find a detailed preview of Ponzinibbio vs. Rodriguez here.

🥊 Cameron Smotherman vs. Serhiy Sidey (Bantamweight Bout)

• Odds: Cameron Smotherman: +115 | Serhiy Sidey: -135
  
• Pick: Cameron Smotherman by decision
• Why: Smotherman’s volume striking and forward pressure could frustrate Sidey across three rounds. While Sidey is technically sharp, he tends to slow when pressured — and Smotherman’s gas tank rarely fades. Expect Smotherman to outwork Sidey in high-tempo exchanges, land the cleaner volume, and steal rounds in the eyes of the judges.

Want to find a detailed preview of this fight? Check here for a prediction of Smotherman vs. Sidey.

Preliminary Card Analysis 

While the main card for UFC Des Moines has rightfully taken center stage, the preliminary card offers its own share of promising matchups and rising stars. Local talent and prospects hungry for UFC stardom will clash inside Wells Fargo Arena, making these bouts just as crucial for fans watching live or on ESPN+. 

🛠️ Thomas Petersen vs. Don’Tale Mayes (Heavyweight)

In the heavyweight division, Thomas Petersen faces Don’Tale Mayes in a battle of powerhouses. Petersen’s wrestling credentials and ground control are his primary assets, while Mayes brings striking prowess and experience. Petersen’s path to victory likely involves closing the distance and utilizing takedowns to mitigate Mayes’ striking advantage. Conversely, Mayes will aim to keep the fight standing and capitalize on his reach and striking. This bout could be determined by who imposes their game plan more effectively.

Check out detailed preview, betting odds and parlay for this fight in our Petersen vs. Mayes analysis.

🥋 Gaston Bolanos vs. Quang Le (Bantamweight)

Gaston Bolanos, renowned for his explosive Muay Thai, squares off against Quang Le, a fighter with a solid grappling foundation. Bolanos’ striking acumen, highlighted by spinning techniques, poses a significant threat. However, Le’s ability to neutralize opponents on the ground could be pivotal. The outcome hinges on whether Bolanos can maintain distance and dictate the fight’s tempo or if Le can implement his grappling to control proceedings. Anticipate a dynamic encounter with contrasting styles vying for supremacy.

Check out Bolanos vs. Quang Le analysis and fight prediction here.

🛡️ Ryan Loder vs. Azamat Bekoev (Middleweight)

This matchup features Ryan Loder, a standout wrestler from The Ultimate Fighter, against Azamat Bekoev, a former LFA champion known for his sambo background. Loder’s dominant wrestling was evident in his victory over Robert Valentin, but Bekoev’s well-rounded skill set, including striking and grappling, presents a formidable challenge. Bekoev’s recent TKO win over Zach Reese showcases his finishing ability. While Loder’s wrestling could control the pace, Bekoev’s versatility might prove decisive. This bout is anticipated to be a strategic battle, potentially going the distance.

Check out detailed analysis and Ryan Loder vs. Azamat Bekoev prediction here.

💣 Marina Rodriguez vs. Gillian Robertson (Women’s Strawweight – 115 lbs)

This is a sleeper banger between a high-level striker and an elite grappler. Marina Rodriguez, once a top-5 contender, has struggled with consistency lately, but her Muay Thai is still some of the best in the division. She lands 5+ strikes per minute with sharp elbows, step-in knees, and brutal clinch work.

Gillian Robertson, meanwhile, is dropping back to strawweight and trying to make another run with her suffocating top control and submission arsenal. Her win over Polyana Viana in 2023 was a perfect example of what she can do when she gets top position.

This fight comes down to distance. If Marina can keep the fight standing, she’ll chew up Robertson with long-range combinations. But if Robertson can time a takedown and avoid damage on the way in, she could easily steal rounds—or the entire fight—on the mat.

Check out our Rodriguez vs. Robertson prediction here.

🥊 Yana Santos vs. Miesha Tate (Women’s Bantamweight)

In a compelling clash of seasoned contenders, Yana Santos faces former champion Miesha Tate. Santos, coming off a unanimous decision victory over Chelsea Chandler, aims to capitalize on her momentum. Tate, returning after an 18-month hiatus, seeks to reestablish her presence in the division. While Tate’s grappling prowess is notable, concerns about ring rust and recent inactivity may tilt the advantage towards Santos. Expect a closely contested bout, with Santos potentially leveraging her striking to edge out a decision victory.

Check the full Yana Santos vs. Miesha Tate prediction here.

🧠 Juliana Miller vs. Ivana Petrovic (Women’s Flyweight)

This bout features two fighters in need of momentum. Juliana Miller—winner of The Ultimate Fighter Season 30—has hit a rough patch since her impressive debut win over Brogan Walker, suffering two straight defeats. Her style remains the same: high-paced grappling with relentless top control. She thrives in scrambles and isn’t afraid to take damage in pursuit of the takedown.

Standing across from her is Ivana Petrovic, a 6-1 fighter from Norway with a background in BJJ and a sneaky striking game. Petrovic also lost her UFC debut, but she brings solid grappling and submission awareness that could pose real problems for Miller if she gets too aggressive.

Who wins the scrambles? If Miller gets the dominant top position early, she might cruise. But if Petrovic keeps it standing or reverses position, she could lock up a submission or outpoint Miller with cleaner shots.

Find a full preview and analysis of Juliana Miller vs. Ivana Petrovic here.

UFC Des Moines Betting Trends

• Favorites are 4-2 in last 6 UFC cards held in the Midwest
• Fights in Iowa historically trend toward decisions (60% of main card fights in UFC 27 went to decision)
• UFC return cards tend to produce emotional upsets, as seen in Boston and Miami in recent years

Look out for live dog value on de Ridder and Jeremy Stephens — both are fighting with a chip on their shoulder and have tools to shock.

Key Fighters to Watch

• Cory Sandhagen: The most technically gifted striker on the card. He’s chasing another title shot.
• Bo Nickal: Olympic wrestling-caliber talent with something to prove against his first real test.
• Jeremy Stephens: The heart and soul of this event. He may not have a title, but he’s Iowa’s champion.
• Reinier de Ridder: Subtle, scary, and slept on. Could be the biggest threat to Nickal’s rise.

Top Prop Bets for UFC Des Moines

ClutchBuzz Same Card Parlay 💸

🔥 UFC Des Moines Main Card Parlay (5-leg)

• Cory Sandhagen by Decision ✅
• Bo Nickal vs. de Ridder – Under 2.5 Rounds ✅
• Jeremy Stephens to Win ✅
• Jackson by Decision ✅
• Ponzinibbio vs. Rodriguez – Over 2.5 Rounds ✅

💰 Payout: +1700 on a $100 bet

What’s Next for UFC in Iowa?

This night may very well ignite a new wave of fighters across the Midwest. With LFA, Cage Warriors, and even Bellator previously hosting events in the region, UFC’s return to Des Moines may open doors for future Fight Nights or even Contender Series tryouts from the region.

Expect gyms in Cedar Rapids, Sioux City, and even Omaha to see increased enrollment next week. This card may do for Iowa what Boston 2013 did for New England — wake up the fight scene.

Final ClutchBuzz Prediction

UFC Des Moines is more than a fight night — it’s a celebration of Midwest toughness. Whether you’re in the arena, at your local bar in Norwalk, or streaming from a wrestling room in Bettendorf, this is your moment.

• Main Event Winner: Cory Sandhagen
• Fight of the Night: Jeremy Stephens vs. Mason Jones
• Performance Bonus: Reinier de Ridder
• ClutchBuzz Lock: Jackson by Decision

Iowa, welcome back to the Octagon.