If you have been starving for some high-level violence, UFC on ESPN 67 or UFC Iowa is about to feed your hunger in the best way possible. On May 3, the UFC touches down in Des Moines, Iowa, with a fight card that promises drama, chaos, and serious title implications. So, what are the UFC Fight Night predictions for UFC on ESPN 67 or UFC Iowa.
At the top, Cory Sandhagen welcomes Deiveson Figueiredo to the deep end of the bantamweight pool. Down the lineup, we have got knockout machines, submission wizards, and undefeated phenoms trying to protect their perfect records. Here, I am breaking down every single fight with records, odds, and that extra dose of flavor you come here for.
What UFC Iowa Holds for Fans?
The UFC returns to Des Moines, Iowa, on May 3, 2025, for UFC on ESPN 67, headlined by a bantamweight clash between Cory Sandhagen and Deiveson Figueiredo. This event marks the promotion’s first visit to Iowa since UFC 26 in June 2000.
The card features a mix of seasoned veterans and rising prospects across various weight classes. With the return of legends like Miesha Tate, this event promises action from start to finish. So, let’s get into UFC Iowa predictions.
UFC Fight Night Predictions for UFC on ESPN 67
I have been following these fighters closely and I can already tell this is going to be one of those nights where momentum shifts, underdogs rise, and fans are left buzzing. Here is my full take on the card, along with who I believe gets their hand raised this weekend.
Cory Sandhagen vs Deiveson Figueiredo (Bantamweight Main Event)
Records:
- Cory Sandhagen: 17–5–0
- Deiveson Figueiredo: 24–4–1
Betting Odds:
- Sandhagen (-550)
- Figueiredo (+400)
This one has got fireworks written all over it. I mean, come on – Figueiredo may have been a beast at flyweight, but bantamweight is a different jungle. Sandhagen is the jungle. He is slick, long, and unrelenting with volume striking.
He has got a 70-inch reach and knows how to weaponize it. Deiveson’s power is legit, but at 135, it is a mystery whether he can carry it for five rounds.
- Hype Stat: Sandhagen lands 5.94 significant strikes per minute, while absorbing just 3.92. That’s control and chaos in perfect balance.
Prediction: I see Sandhagen playing matador here. He will frustrate Figueiredo with movement, touch him up with jabs and spinning stuff, and win a clean unanimous decision.
Bo Nickal vs Reinier de Ridder (Middleweight Co-Main Event)
Records:
- Bo Nickal: 7–0–0
- Reinier de Ridder: 19–2–0
Betting Odds:
- Nickal (-275)
- de Ridder (+235)
When it comes to UFC Fight Night predictions for the co-main event of UFC Iowa, things really get heat up. Bo Nickal is fast-tracking like few we have ever seen. Olympic-caliber wrestling? Check. Slick submissions? Check. Finishes in the first round? You better believe it.
But Reinier de Ridder is not some soft touch. He is a two-division champ from ONE Championship and owns 11 submission wins.
- Hype Stat: Bo has finished 6 of his 7 wins inside the first round. He is basically allergic to judges.
Prediction: This could be a grappling chess match. But I will roll with Nickal in UFC on ESPN 67 predictions. His control and pressure will shut down de Ridder’s jiu-jitsu. TKO in round two.
Santiago Ponzinibbio vs Daniel Rodriguez (Welterweight)
Records:
- Ponzinibbio: 29–7–0
- Rodriguez: 17–4–0
Betting Odds:
- Ponzinibbio (-150)
- Rodriguez (+130)
Striker vs striker, but with vastly different tempos. Ponzinibbio is all about calculated power. Rodriguez? He’s death by volume. But here’s the kicker – Ponzinibbio has faced the tougher competition and still throws nearly 5 significant strikes per minute with a 40% accuracy rate.
That’s what making the hype for this clash and UFC fans, including me, are really anticipating what’s going to happen between two mysteries.
- Hype Stat: Rodriguez absorbs over 5 strikes per minute, which is dangerous against a sniper like Ponzinibbio.
Prediction: Give me Ponzinibbio by razor-close split decision. His leg kicks and cleaner shots should edge it.
Montel Jackson vs Daniel Marcos (Bantamweight)
Records:
- Jackson: 13–2–0
- Marcos: 15–0–0
Betting Odds:
- Jackson (-180)
- Marcos (+160)
Someone’s 0 has to go – or does it? Montel Jackson has quietly become a bantamweight problem. At 5’10” with an insane 75.5” reach, he is a matchup nightmare. Marcos is flashy and fast, but he has never faced a physical force like this.
So, what do you think about this bout in UFC Fight Night Predictions. Will Marcos really survive the temperament of Jackson?
- Hype Stat: Jackson has a +2.2 strike differential per minute. That’s elite.
Prediction: Jackson by second-round knockout. He finds the chin early and reminds everyone he’s a dark horse in the division.
Cameron Smotherman vs Serhiy Sidey (Bantamweight)
Records:
- Smotherman: 8–3–0
- Sidey: 11–2–0
Betting Odds:
- Sidey (-140)
- Smotherman (+120)
Smotherman fights like every round is the final 10 seconds. That’s great for fans, risky for judges. Sidey, on the other hand, is a technician who loves to pick opponents apart. This is speed versus structure.
The thing which is making me excited for this clash in UFC Iowa is that both have the chance to make their mark in the promotion.
- Hype Stat: Sidey is riding an 8-fight win streak with 6 finishes and lands over 5 significant strikes per minute with 52% accuracy.
Prediction: Sidey by unanimous decision. He will weather the early storm and piece Smotherman up on the outside.
Jeremy Stephens vs Mason Jones (Lightweight)
Records:
- Stephens: 28–21–0
- Jones: 12–2–0
Betting Odds:
- Jones (-200)
- Stephens (+170)
This one screams violence. Jeremy “Lil Heathen” Stephens might have 21 losses, but he’s also fought killers for nearly two decades. Jones is younger, faster, and more technical. But Stephens has that one-punch power and a nasty overhand.
- Hype Stat: Stephens has 19 career knockouts and hasn’t seen a boring fight in over a decade.
Prediction: Jones by decision, but it won’t be easy. He survives a scare or two and pulls ahead with volume and cardio.
UFC Fight Night Predictions for UFC Iowa Preliminary Card
Don’t overlook these early bouts. Some of the UFC’s wildest knockouts and breakout performances come right here on the prelims. You have got veterans trying to make one last run as UFC on ESPN 67 salaries and purse payouts are also revealed for them.
Additionally, some undefeated fighters are looking to break through and stylistic matchups that are built for chaos. Let’s break down UFC Fight Night predictions for these early bouts of UFC on ESPN+ 114 with the same energy and insight.
Yana Santos vs Miesha Tate (Women’s Bantamweight)
Records:
- Yana Santos: 14–8–0
- Miesha Tate: 19–9–0
Betting Odds:
- Tate (-130)
- Santos (+110)
This is a battle of former contenders at a serious career crossroads. Miesha Tate has reinvented herself since coming out of retirement, leaning more on her grappling and fight IQ. Yana Santos is a crisp striker but tends to fade when the pressure’s on.
- Hype Stat: Tate has landed 2+ takedowns in each of her last three wins. When she commits to wrestling, she controls the fight.
Prediction: Miesha Tate by unanimous decision. I see her grinding Santos down over three rounds with cage control and top pressure.
Ryan Loder vs Azamat Bekoev (Middleweight)
Records:
- Ryan Loder: 7–1–0
- Azamat Bekoev: 11–2–0
Betting Odds:
- Bekoev (-150)
- Loder (+130)
This one could be explosive. Loder is a powerful wrestler out of the Midwest regional scene, while Bekoev brings a gritty, Dagestani-style pressure. Both men like to dictate pace and get on top early.
- Hype Stat: Bekoev has finished 8 of his 11 wins—6 by knockout, 2 by sub. The man comes to end fights.
Prediction: Azamat Bekoev by first-round KO. He stuffs the takedown early, lands a bomb in transition, and sends a message to the division.
Marina Rodriguez vs Gillian Robertson (Strawweight)
Records:
- Marina Rodriguez: 17–5–2
- Gillian Robertson: 15–8–0
Betting Odds:
- Rodriguez (-170)
- Robertson (+150)
This is a classic striker vs. grappler scenario. Rodriguez throws with venom and has some of the best elbows in the division. Robertson is a submission ace who’s dangerous anytime it hits the mat.
- Hype Stat: Rodriguez lands 4.79 significant strikes per minute with 49% accuracy. That’s nasty efficiency on the feet.
Prediction: Marina Rodriguez by third-round TKO. She picks Robertson apart and forces the ref to step in after a steady beatdown.
Gaston Bolaños vs Quang Le (Bantamweight)
Records:
- Gaston Bolaños: 7–3–0
- Quang Le: 6–1–0
Betting Odds:
- Bolaños (-120)
- Le (+100)
This fight might steal the show. Bolaños is a decorated Muay Thai striker with violent spinning attacks. Quang Le is more traditional but sharp, compact, and very durable. This will likely stay standing—and that means fun.
- Hype Stat: All 7 of Bolaños’ wins have come by knockout. He doesn’t play the long game.
Prediction: Gaston Bolaños by second-round KO. I think he lands something wild off a missed shot and turns the lights out.
Thomas Petersen vs Don’Tale Mayes (Heavyweight)
Records:
- Thomas Petersen: 9–3–0
- Don’Tale Mayes: 11–8–0
Betting Odds:
- Petersen (-140)
- Mayes (+120)
Petersen is your classic grind-you-out heavyweight with a wrestling-heavy approach. Mayes is athletic for a big man, but inconsistent. If he can’t keep Petersen off him, it’s going to be a long night.
- Hype Stat: Petersen averages 4.2 takedowns per fight at a 61% success rate. That’s serious pressure for a heavyweight.
Prediction: Thomas Petersen by second-round submission. He drags Mayes down, takes the back, and locks in the choke.
Juliana Miller vs Ivana Petrović (Flyweight)
Records:
- Juliana Miller: 3–3–0
- Ivana Petrović: 7–2–0
Betting Odds:
- Petrović (-150)
- Miller (+130)
Juliana Miller is a wild card—aggressive, scrappy, but chaotic. Petrović, meanwhile, is composed and methodical. If Miller can’t land early, she tends to get stuck on bottom or overextends.
- Hype Stat: Petrovic has never been finished and averages 2.8 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Prediction: Ivana Petrovic by unanimous decision. She stays composed, avoids the madness, and racks up control time.
Let’s Rewind
These are UFC Fight Night predictions for UFC on ESPN 67 as the event is stacked with compelling matchups from top to bottom, and I genuinely can’t wait to watch this one unfold. From Cory Sandhagen’s elegant violence to Bo Nickal’s grappling dominance and the undercard gems that could surprise everyone, this card has something for every fight fan.
Whether you’re betting, fantasy drafting, or just watching for the thrill, you are now armed with everything you need to enjoy the action. Let’s see if these picks age like wine – or milk.
