On Saturday, Cory Sandhagen and Deiveson Figueiredo are set to face off in a pivotal UFC Fight Night main event in Des Moines, Iowa. Both fighters are looking to secure their positions as legitimate bantamweight title challengers in what could be their last chance to prove their worth. As they prepare for the high-stakes bout, the pressure mounts, making the outcome crucial not only for their careers but also for the bantamweight division.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) A Closer Look at Cory Sandhagen’s Journey |
| 2) Deiveson Figueiredo’s Determination to Compete |
| 3) Co-Main Event Highlights: Bo Nickal vs. Reinier de Ridder |
| 4) Fight Night Card Overview and Other Fights |
| 5) Viewing Details for UFC Fight Night |
A Closer Look at Cory Sandhagen’s Journey
Cory Sandhagen, currently holding a record of 17 wins and 5 losses, is often described as a fighter full of potential yet hindered by missed opportunities. He has been viewed as a future UFC champion for several years; however, he has struggled to capitalize on pivotal moments during his matches. The four fighters who have triumphed over him in the Octagon have gone on to compete for UFC titles immediately after. This recurring theme has left Sandhagen at a crossroads in his career, teetering on the edge of greatness.
Despite this frustration, Sandhagen maintains a positive outlook. “I juice as much good as I can out of my losses,” he said in a recent interview. He believes that the key to becoming a champion lies in attention to detail and an unwavering focus on honing his skills. Each setback, he asserts, serves as a stepping stone to improvement.
He added, “It doesn’t hurt me at all. I still have my heart set 1000% on being the champ at some point. It’ll be that way until I retire or I win it.” With this determination, Sandhagen enters his fight against Figueiredo with a renewed focus and the added hunger to prove his critics wrong and finally secure a title shot.
Deiveson Figueiredo’s Determination to Compete
On the other side of the octagon stands Deiveson Figueiredo, boasting an impressive record of 24 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw. Once the reigning flyweight champion, Figueiredo has set his sights on becoming a two-division champion. However, his journey has also been fraught with obstacles, notably his recent defeat against Petr Yan, which served as a significant setback in his bantamweight aspirations.
Figueiredo’s recent performances showcased his prowess, as he had won three consecutive fights prior to facing Yan. Now, with the age factor becoming increasingly relevant, Figueiredo emphasizes the need to seize this opportunity: “I’m a guy that’s now 37, so I can’t miss out on this opportunity,” he remarked during a media day prior to the event. This looming pressure makes the fight with Sandhagen even more crucial for him.
His determination is palpable. Figueiredo openly states that defeating Sandhagen will see him calling for a title shot immediately afterwards, indicating the importance of this bout in reshaping his career trajectory.
Co-Main Event Highlights: Bo Nickal vs. Reinier de Ridder
The co-main event of the evening is equally captivating, featuring rising star Bo Nickal and his opponent Reinier de Ridder. Nickal, holding an unblemished record of 7-0, aims to solidify his status as a genuine middleweight contender. As a three-time NCAA Division I champion in wrestling, Nickal easily has the credentials to support his claims; however, this fight represents a pivotal challenge in his career.
Nickal has predominantly competed under the UFC umbrella, and Saturday marks the first time he does not head into a match as a betting favorite—a clear indication of the respect and challenge posed by de Ridder. Nickal is facing not only an opponent ranked in the UFC Official Middleweight top 15 but also dealing with the physical challenge of a significant 37-pound weight cut he must navigate leading into the fight.
Discussing his preparation, Nickal stated, “A big portion of this fight camp has been bulking up. I wanted to get bigger for the weight class. I might have gone too far with it.” He remains optimistic, however, as he has never missed weight since beginning his wrestling career at a young age, maintaining confidence in his ability to make the limit.
Fight Night Card Overview and Other Fights
In addition to the high-profile main and co-main events, the UFC Fight Night card boasts an exciting lineup that promises plenty of action. One intriguing matchup features a welterweight brawl between Santiago Ponzinibbio and Daniel Rodriguez, while former UFC champion Miesha Tate headlines the preliminary card against Yana Santos. Jeremy Stephens, notable for his recent success in bare-knuckle boxing, returns to the Octagon aiming to make a statement against former champion Eddie Alvarez.
These additional fights contribute to what many are considering a well-rounded and competitive fight card, drawing attention from fans eager to witness high-stakes bouts across various weight classes.
Viewing Details for UFC Fight Night
Fans looking to catch the UFC Fight Night action can tune in on Saturday, May 3 at 10 p.m. ET. The event will take place at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa. Viewers can catch the live broadcast on ESPN+, making it accessible for fight enthusiasts eager to see how the evening unfolds.
With both fighters understanding the high stakes involved, anticipation builds around their performance, and expectations run high for an exhilarating night of mixed martial arts.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cory Sandhagen seeks to break through as a legitimate title contender following several near-misses in his career. |
| 2 | Deiveson Figueiredo aims to revive his championship aspirations with a win over Sandhagen. |
| 3 | Bo Nickal faces Reinier de Ridder in the co-main event, with both vying for recognition in the middleweight division. |
| 4 | The Fight Night card features a mix of promising talent, including Miesha Tate and Santiago Ponzinibbio. |
| 5 | UFC Fight Night will be broadcast live on ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET, attracting numerous fans and viewers. |
Summary
The upcoming UFC Fight Night in Des Moines represents a pivotal moment for both Cory Sandhagen and Deiveson Figueiredo, who are vying for their own respective paths to championship opportunities. With high stakes in both the main event and co-main event, this fight card is expected to deliver memorable performances and further shape the landscape of the bantamweight and middleweight divisions. Fans eagerly await what promises to be an electrifying evening of mixed martial arts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is the significance of the fight between Cory Sandhagen and Deiveson Figueiredo?
The fight is crucial for both fighters as it serves to solidify their standing as potential title challengers in the bantamweight division.
Question: Who is Bo Nickal and what makes his co-main event fight significant?
Bo Nickal is an undefeated middleweight prospect with a wrestling background. His fight against Reinier de Ridder could determine his status as a serious contender in the division.
Question: When and where can fans watch UFC Fight Night?
Fans can watch the UFC Fight Night live on May 3 at 10 p.m. ET via ESPN+ from Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa.
