Des Moines, Iowa — Fight fans flocked to the Wells Fargo Arena on Saturday evening for an electrifying UFC card featuring a highly anticipated main event between bantamweight contenders Cory Sandhagen and Deiveson Figueiredo. As both fighters entered the octagon with aspirations of revitalizing their careers, the stage was set for a night of unforgettable action.
Cory Sandhagen (17-5) aimed to bounce back from a setback in August, where he was defeated by Umar Nurmagomedov in a unanimous decision. That loss not only halted Sandhagen’s three-fight winning streak but also allowed Nurmagomedov to contend for the bantamweight title earlier this year. Before that, Sandhagen had faced former champion Petr Yan in a title match, which he lost in a closely contested decision. Saturday’s bout against Figueiredo represented a crucial opportunity for Sandhagen to reclaim his status within the division.
On the other side of the octagon was Deiveson Figueiredo (24-4-1), looking to recover from a disappointing defeat of his own. The former two-time flyweight champion faced Yan in November, marking his first loss since moving up to bantamweight. Despite that setback, Figueiredo had previously enjoyed success after transitioning from the flyweight division, and the stakes were high for the 37-year-old as he sought to keep his championship dreams alive.
In the co-main event, former two-division ONE Championship titleholder Reinier de Ridder (19-2) faced off against rising middleweight star Bo Nickal (8-0). As Nickal sought to maintain his undefeated record, de Ridder aimed to hand him his first professional loss, further elevating the excitement of the evening.
The preliminary card kick-started the event at 7 p.m. ET, with a range of bouts showcasing rising talent across multiple weight classes. Notable matchups included Yana Santos versus Miesha Tate and Ryan Loder clashing with Azamat Bekoev. Fans were treated to a gripping display of skill, featuring dramatic finishes and closely fought contests that set the tone for the main card.
As the night progressed, anticipation built toward the main card, which began at 10 p.m. ET. Fight enthusiasts tuned in via ESPN and ESPN+, eager to witness the unfolding drama of the featured matchups. Alongside Sandhagen and Figueiredo, the card also included welterweight action between Santiago Ponzinibbio and Daniel Rodriguez, as well as intriguing bantamweight clashes featuring Montel Jackson and Cameron Smotherman.
The atmosphere inside Wells Fargo Arena was electric as the audience rallied behind their favorites, each fighter bringing their unique styles and strategies. With every round, excitement mounted, showcasing the essence of mixed martial arts and the relentless pursuit of victory that defines the UFC. As the night drew to a close, the outcomes would undoubtedly reshape the landscape of the bantamweight division and reconfigure the paths of these competitors moving forward.