The octagon heads to the heartland this Saturday, May 3rd, as UFC Fight Night brings a compelling card to the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa, headlined by bantamweight contenders Cory Sandhagen and Deiveson Figueiredo.
The main event presents an intriguing stylistic clash between Sandhagen's technical striking and movement against Figueiredo's raw power. Sandhagen enters with significant physical advantages, standing six inches taller with superior reach. His unorthodox volume striking approach has previously proven effective against powerful but smaller opponents like John Lineker and Marlon Vera, suggesting a similar gameplan could succeed against the Brazilian former flyweight champion.
In what might be the card's most intriguing matchup from a career perspective, rising Welsh prospect Mason Jones faces UFC veteran Jeremy Stephens in what will be Stephens' remarkable 35th appearance in the octagon. Despite being 38 years old and having lost seven of his last eight bouts across UFC and PFL, Stephens has demonstrated legendary durability throughout his career. Of his 18 UFC losses, 12 have come by decision, indicating his renowned chin remains intact even in the twilight of his fighting days.
According to Statbet analysis, fighters with Sandhagen's specific height and reach advantages historically win over 70% of such matchups in UFC main events, making this a particularly challenging stylistic matchup for Figueiredo despite his championship pedigree.
Elsewhere on the card, highly-touted prospect Bo Nickal continues his UFC journey against former ONE Championship double champion Reinier de Ridder. Nickal's explosive wrestling credentials and devastating top control make him the favorite despite de Ridder's impressive resume outside the UFC.
While Jones-Stephens represents a classic prospect-versus-veteran scenario, many observers view this matchup as a calculated risk by UFC matchmakers to showcase Jones against a respected but declining name in Stephens, whose experience and toughness should provide valuable resistance without likely derailing the Welshman's ascent.
The event broadcasts this Saturday with several compelling matchups that will help shape the future landscape across multiple divisions.
