UFC Des Moines Weigh-Ins
The UFC has officially touched down in Middle America, and Friday morning’s early weigh-ins in Des Moines, Iowa, delivered plenty of talking points ahead of this weekend’s electrifying fight card. With Cory Sandhagen and Deiveson Figueiredo set to headline the promotion’s first-ever event in Iowa, the scale was the first true test for an eclectic mix of prospects, veterans, and title hopefuls.
Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo: Flyweight Legend Meets Bantamweight Technician
No controversy herethe main event is a go. Cory “The Sandman” Sandhagen stepped on the scale looking as lean and composed as ever, officially weighing in at 136 pounds. Deiveson Figueiredo, a former flyweight king now on a tear at bantamweight, came in at 135.5 pounds. The respect between the two elite warriors was palpable, but expect that to vanish when the Octagon door slams shut Saturday night.
This bout is more than just a clash of styles: it’s a pivotal moment in the 135-pound title landscape. Sandhagen’s fluid striking and movement will be tested against Figueiredo’s explosive bursts of aggression. It’s also a stark reminder of how deep and dynamic the bantamweight division has becomea weight class where style matchups ignite sparks every time.
Co-Main Event Chaos: Joe Pyfer Comes Ready, Eryk Anders Misfires
Middleweight bruiser Joe Pyfer has made no secret of his championship ambitions, and he stayed on track by hitting the mark at 186 pounds. His opponent, Eryk Anders, however, weighed in at 188.5 pounds, a full 2.5 pounds over the non-title fight limit. The bout will go forward at a catchweight, but Anders’ misstep cost him both money and momentum.
This marks the first time Anders has missed weight in his UFC career, and it couldn’t have come at a worse time. Pyfer, riding high on the strength of recent finishes, now gains an edge not just in optics, but potentially in octagon energy.
Balanced Bouts and Clean Cards
The rest of the card brought smooth sailing for fighters and officials alike. Thirteen bouts were confirmed after a smooth set of early weigh-ins, with no other athletes missing weight. Here are a few key results that’ll shape fight night discussion:
- Andrea Lee returns to action and came in at 126 pounds, looking particularly dialed in as she faces Macy Chiasson, who also weighed 126.
- Lightweights Terrance McKinney and Landon Quinones both hit exactly 156 pounds ahead of what’s expected to be a high-paced, blink-and-you-miss-it scrap.
- Prospects Tom Nolan and Victor Martinez also made weight without issue and continue to position themselves as future main card regulars.
Fighting Iowa Style: Midwestern Debut Sparks Energy
Des Moines may not be synonymous with high-level MMAyetbut the Midwest crowd is primed and itching to witness the Octagon up close. UFC’s decision to plant its flag in Iowa signals continued expansion into undervalued fight markets, and ticket sales suggest fans are hungry for elite combat sports action.
Several local favorites are peppered throughout the undercard, including the undefeated flyweight Charles Johnson, who made weight at 125.5 pounds and enters with serious hype from the regional scene. The buzz around the Iowa Events Center is impossible to ignore, and if Friday’s weigh-in atmosphere is a preview, fight night will be one for the scrapbooks.
Odds, Ends, and Octagon Eyes
It’s worth mentioning that the ceremonial weigh-insset to take place later this afternoon local timewill provide the face-off fireworks. All eyes will be on Sandhagen and Figueiredo as they come nose-to-nose one final time before throwing down.
For now, the early weigh-ins have delivered a clear message: the card is intact, the matchups are official, and everything is lined up for a full-throttle night in Des Moines. Fans can breathe easythe fights are on, and UFC Iowa is officially go-time.
UFC Des Moines: Complete Weigh-In Results
- Cory Sandhagen (136) vs. Deiveson Figueiredo (135.5)
- Joe Pyfer (186) vs. Eryk Anders (188.5)*catchweight
- Macy Chiasson (126) vs. Andrea Lee (126)
- Terrance McKinney (156) vs. Landon Quinones (156)
- Tom Nolan (156) vs. Victor Martinez (156)
- Charles Johnson (125.5) vs. CJ Vergara (126)
*Anders forfeits a portion of his purse to Pyfer due to weight miss
Final Thoughts
There’s something refreshing about a weigh-in day that delivers drama without derailing an event. UFC Des Moines is shaping up to be a highlight in the 2025 fight calendar, and if the weigh-ins are any indication, fight fans are in for a barnburner in the heartland. From rising stars to marquee names, this card checks all the boxes. Iowa probably wasn’t top of mind when fans pondered a UFC destinationafter Saturday, that may change.
Get your popcorn ready, Midwest. The Octagon has arrived.
