UFC Iowa
Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo — The line scares me because I think both of these guys are higher than their skill levels suggest. Corey is better on the ground and in stand-up, but Figgy is a former champ and has looked great since moving up in weight. We should be in for an action-packed main event, for however long it lasts.
De Ridder vs. Nickel — De Ridder has looked great since coming over from ONE FC, getting two submission wins, which I think won't be an option again for Nickel. I would be very shocked if this fight makes it to the final bell. This is a huge test for Bo, and I think he passes it.
Ponzinibbio vs. Rodriguez — This is a great fight between two older guys who are just outside the top 15 of their division, and who have both been around forever, it feels like. I don’t expect this fight to hit the mat at all unless someone gets dropped, and if it does, I honestly don’t know who would have the edge in grappling.
Jackson vs. Marcos — Jackson is speaking currently, and I don't think there will be much stopping him from doing what he wants. If he keeps fighting the way he's fighting, he will be fighting for a title really soon in a division that needs some new guys at the top.
Smoorerman vs. Sidey — This should be one of the most fast-paced fights on the card. Both these guys are long and fast. If one of these guys is not defensively sound, then they will be in trouble.
Stephens vs. Jones — Stephens is making his return after doing very well in Bare Knuckle, including stopping Eddie Alvarez back in January to go 3-0 in the promotion. He will be taking on Jones, who is also making his return after going 4-0 in Cage Warriors.
Santos vs. Tate — Tate is a future Hall of Famer who decided to come out of retirement in 2021. She also got her first win since coming out of retirement in her last fight against Julia Avila. The problem is that was in 2023. We will see how much ring rust she has when she fights Santos, who only loses to elite fighters and legends but beats everyone else. I think she has a good shot if she can keep the fight on the feet.
Loder vs. Bekoev — Loder is making his debut after winning The Ultimate Fighter, and he’s fighting another fighter who looked great in his last outing with a round 1 finish in his debut. I would be willing to say this fight probably doesn’t see the final bell, and I’d be shocked if it even sees the first.
Rodriguez vs. Robertson — This is a great matchup for both fighters. Robertson has all the momentum with a win streak, while Rodriguez is 38 and on a three-fight skid. If Rodriguez is going to make another run at the title, she needs to win this fight. If she doesn’t, she will more than likely never get a title shot and could even be cut if she is thoroughly outclassed.
Bolanos vs. Le — Both of these guys are relatively unknown in the U.S., but Bolanos is big for the weight class and has been fighting in major promotions since 2017, starting with Bellator. I honestly think he finishes Le and begins building his resume for a ranking shot.
Peterson vs. Mayes — Former Juco wrestler Peterson looks to build momentum against mainstay Mayes. This is one of the few heavyweight fights I can say I wouldn’t be shocked if it went the distance.
Miller vs. Petrovic — For TUF house winner Miller, this is her first chance to get a win since the show, against Petrovic, who is also coming off a loss. I think Miller is a good fighter who just needed more experience, especially at only 28, as she makes her third walk.
UFC Best Bets:
Miller ML +185 — She is the all-around better fighter. I believe she suffered some early losses because she was so young and needed more cage experience, which she now has.
Stephens +425 — He wouldn’t take this fight if he thought he was going to lose. He’s a huge underdog, and I think he has a chance to finish him.
Bo Nickel Sub +500 — The media has somewhat flipped on him since his debut, claiming he can’t finish elite fighters. I believe he will prove them wrong.
Sandhagen KO/Sub +200 — I think he will make a statement win and earn a title shot against Sean O’Malley, who will beat Merab in a rematch down the line. That Sandhagen vs. O’Malley fight could be Fight of the Year if it ever happens.
