UFC Bouts in Des Moines: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo - Top Wagers, Betting Lines, and Forecasts
UFC DES MOINES PREDICTIONS - SANDHAGEN vs. FIGUEIREDO REIMAGINED:
This week, our in-house MMA expert, Britton Hess, offers up his predictions for every fight at UFC Des Moines, along with some spirited commentary, because why not!
BEST BETS HISTORY:Last week: 4-5 -1.6 Units (-15.85% ROI)Since 2020: 707-677 (+188.2 Units, 10.8% ROI)
PICK'EM HISTORY:Last week: 9-4 (64.29%)Article History: 361-235-1 (60.57%)
All odds via DraftKings unless otherwise stated
Cory "The Sandman" Sandhagen (-520) vs Deiveson "Deus Da Guerra" Figueiredo (+390)
Over 4.5 Rounds (-210) | Under 4.5 Rounds (+160) Bantamweight
Cory Sandhagen, the self-styled "bantamweight gatekeeper," is a solid bet here. He's proven himself time and again against tough opposition, boasts a well-rounded skillset, and rarely appears phased in the octagon. Figueiredo, on the other hand, might have bitten off more than he can chew as a two-division size jump doesn't seem to have served him well thus far. Granted, Figueiredo has been a beast in the flyweight division, but it's difficult to ignore the size difference when Sandhagen looms overhead.
I'm picking Sandhagen to win this one, likely via decision. He's a patient fighter and should be able to control the pace of the fight, wearing Figueiredo down with consistent strikes. Sure, Figueiredo may have a few tricks up his sleeve, but they might not be enough to overcome that height and reach disparity.
Bet: Sandhagen to win (-150, FanDuel)Bet: Over 4.5 Rounds (-128, FanDuel)
Reinier de Ridder (+295) vs Bo Nickal (-375) Middleweight
Over 2.5 Rounds (+105) | Under 2.5 Rounds (-135) Middleweight
Nickal enters this clash with a gaudy record and a reputation as a wrestling machine. De Ridder, by comparison, boasts a somewhat more modest record but has been impressive in his UFC debuts so far. When it comes to wrestling prowess, Nickal takes the cake; however, de Ridder is a submission artist and has shown the ability to adapt, even when facing a dominant wrestler.
Given Nickal's undeniable wrestling skills, it's tempting to bet on a quick submission. But let's not forget that de Ridder isn't exactly a stranger to submissions himself. I have a feeling this one will go the distance, and I'm betting on it to do just that.
Bet: Under 2.5 Rounds (+105, FanDuel)
Santiago Ponzinibbio (-142) vs Daniel Rodriguez (+120) Welterweight
Over 2.5 Rounds (-238) | Under 2.5 Rounds (+180) Welterweight
Ponzinibbio and Rodriguez are, to put it mildly, a study in contrasts. Ponzinibbio is a seasoned vet with plenty of experience and a penchant for delivering highlight-reel knockouts. Rodriguez, on the other hand, is a relative newcomer with a high striking volume but a questionable chin.
To be honest, I'm not entirely sold on either fighter in this one. Both seem to have their share of weaknesses, and it's difficult to predict who will ultimately land that elusive knockout blow. But since this fight may well rest on a single punch, I'm taking a chance and going with the "under" on rounds. Then again, maybe they'll just spend the entire bout trading bombs, in which case ROFL...
Bet: Under 2.5 Rounds (+180, FanDuel)
Montel Jackson (+124) vs Daniel Marcos (-148) Bantamweight
Over 2.5 Rounds (-230) | Under 2.5 Rounds (+175) Bantamweight
Marcos is one of the most active strikers in the division, landing a staggering 7.5 significant strikes per minute. Jackson, by contrast, has a more measured approach, focusing on a blend of striking and grappling. Regardless, both fighters possess solid skills and should make for an entertaining fight.
This one might well depend on who can land the first big shot—and that's a tough call to make. Marcos has shown an impressive ability to put his opponents away, but Jackson's grappling skills could come into play as well. Ultimately, I'm going with Jackson to get the win, but it might go the distance.
Bet: Jackson to win (+124, DraftKings)Bet: Over 2.5 Rounds (-230, DraftKings)
Cameron Smotherman (+124) vs Serhiy Sidey (+185) Bantamweight
Over 2.5 Rounds (-200) | Under 2.5 Rounds (+154) Bantamweight
Smotherman has impressively made his way into the UFC off the strength of his highlight-reel finishes, and Sidey remains unbeaten in his UFC career, albeit against less impressive competition.
Sidey's unbeaten streak might come to a close here, as Smotherman possesses an admirable blend of striking and grappling ability. Furthermore, the added height and reach advantage could make a significant difference in this one.
Bet: Smotherman to win (+124, DraftKings)
Jeremy Stephens (+470) vs Mason Jones (-650) Lightweight
Over 2.5 Rounds (-105) | Under 2.5 Rounds (-125) Lightweight
Stephens returns to the UFC after a brief hiatus, while Jones makes his UFC debut following a stint on The Ultimate Fighter. Stephens has plenty ofpeat quality wins under his belt, but Jones is a promising young fighter with a still-undeveloped style.
This one has the potential to be a significant step up in competition for Jones, but he appears to have all the tools necessary to compete at the UFC level. Though I'm excited to see what Jones brings to the table, I think Stephens will ultimately have too much experience for the young upstart.
Bet: Stephens/Jones Under 2.5 Rounds (-125, FanDuel)
Yana Santos (+110) vs Miesha Tate (-130) Women's Bantamweight
Over 2.5 Rounds (-410) | Under 2.5 Rounds (+290) Women's Bantamweight
Tate, the former women’s bantamweight champion, makes her long-awaited return to the UFC after a three-year absence. Santos, meanwhile, has struggled lately, losing three of her last four fights.
I have to admit, I'm excited to see what Tate brings to the table in her return, especially given her impressive resume. Regardless, Santos has displayed an impressive grappling game and should give Tate all she can handle. I expect this one to go the distance.
Bet: Over 2.5 Rounds (-410, DraftKings)
Marcelo Nunes (+215) vs Tresean Gore (-260) Middleweight
Over 2.5 Rounds (-250) | Under 2.5 Rounds (+190) Middleweight
Nunes returns to the UFC after a six-year layoff, while Gore, a TUF 29 alum, aims to build on his impressive win at his UFC debut.
Gore has shown flashes of promise, but I'm still not sold on his ability to compete at the top level. Unfortunately for him, Nunes could pose a significant roadblock in his development. While I wouldn't be surprised to see Gore deliver a competitive performance, Nunes' experience should ultimately give him the edge.
Bet: Nunes to win (+215, DraftKings)Bet: Over 2.5 Rounds (-250, DraftKings)
And there you have it, friends—my predictions for every UFC Des Moines fight. May the oddsmakers be merciful to us all, and may the most deserving fighter be declared the victor. Good luck!
*As always, be responsible (and legal!) with your betting activity. Gambling is a fun way to engage with your favorite sports, but it's essential to bet responsibly and only with funds that you can afford to lose.*
With the UFC Des Moines event just around the corner, we delve into the potential outcomes of various fights based on averages, odds, and the fighters' past performances.
Evening out the docket, Merab Dvalishvili (-245) faces off against Cody Stamann (+200) in a pure display of sportsmanship. Neither fighter excels in a specific discipline; it's a test to see who best maximizes their average performance across the board.
As the main event unfolds, ladies' night rolls in with Macy Chiasson (-210) and Aspen Ladd (+165). Both are quickly establishing their résumés as they progress through the ranks. Given their recent fights, Chiasson offers slightly better odds to emerge victorious.
Lastly, the eyes of the sports world lock upon the electric clash between Islam Makhachev (+110) and Thiago Moises (-130). This bout promises nothing short of a pulse-racing spectacle. If one were purely to go by averages, Makhachev's may just eke out victoriously.
