Cory Sandhagen, Deiveson Figueiredo to Serve as Headliners for UFC Des Moines

Bantamweights will be on the marquee for the UFC’s first trip to Iowa since 2000.

Brazilian journalist Leo Guimaraes first broke the news on Thursday that Cory Sandhagen (17-5) and Deiveson Figueiredo (24-4-1) would be throwing down on May 3. The two 135ers will serve as the main attraction to UFC Des Moines, which will take place in the Wells Fargo Arena in Iowa’s capital city. The pairing has since been confirmed by other outlets.

Both fighters are coming off five-round decision losses to top contenders. In August 2024, Sandhagen came back after a year layoff to face Umar Nurmagomedov, falling short to the Russian in a bout closer than the scorecards of 50-45, 49-46 and 49-46 indicated. That defeat halted a three-fight victorious stretch for the Colorado native, who had forced the doctors to intervene in his 25-minute match against Yadong Song before claiming decision verdicts over Marlon Vera and Rob Font.

Former flyweight king also saw a three-fight win streak that included wins over Font and Vera come to a close when Russia’s Petr Yan outworked him at UFC Fight Night 248 last year. “Daico” relocated himself to 135 pounds in 2023 after a tetralogy against Brandon Moreno, where he ultimately surrendered the 125-pound strap after a thrilling series. Along his way up the ladder, the Brazilian also became the first fighter to submit ex-titleholder Cody Garbrandt, hitting a rear-naked choke on “No Love” at UFC 300.

UFC Des Moines, an event without a numbered designation at this time due to unclear broadcast arrangements, will go down at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines on May 3. With the main event set, a large portion of the main card is likely on the books. In addition to Sandhagen-Figueiredo, fans will be treated to a bantamweight showdown between Yana Santos and Miesha Tate as well as a strawweight clash pitting Marina Rodriguez against Gillian Robertson.