UFC Des Moines Highlights

UFC made its long-awaited Iowa debut on Saturday, May 4, and the Fight Night card delivered a hearty dose of violence, surprises, and rankings shakeups inside Wells Fargo Arena. Headlined by a bantamweight banger between Cory Sandhagen and flyweight-turned-contender Deiveson Figueiredo, UFC Des Moines proved you don’t need a pay-per-view price tag to witness high-level savagery and compelling storylines unfold in real time.

Sandhagen Stamps His Shot

In the main event spotlight, Cory “The Sandman” Sandhagen snapped on his signature cerebral chaos, forcing a doctor stoppage after two rounds due to an eye injury suffered by Figueiredo. The dynamic Coloradan reminded everyone why he’s long been regarded as perhaps the most complete striker at 135 pounds, blending range management, diverse attacks and iron-sharp timing. Figueiredo, ever the warrior, tried to crash the distance but quickly realized he was playing chess against a man several moves ahead.

“This is title shot material,” Sandhagen declared in his post-fight interview, and honestly, he might be right.

Figueiredo’s GritBut Is 135 the Right Fit?

Despite the defeat, former flyweight champ Deiveson Figueiredo showcased his trademark tenacity and grit. But bantamweight-sized sharks like Sandhagen may prove a step too far for the Brazilian’s frame. Figueiredo couldn’t quite close the distance, struggled with length, and ultimately paid for it when his eye swelled shut like a late-night Iowa corn dog.

Whether he sticks around 135 or returns to torment his old flyweight stomping grounds remains to be seen, but respect is due: Figueiredo never once looked for a way out. He just ran into a tactician performing close to his peak.

Demolition Job: Michelle Waterson-Gomez Gets Flatlined

Farewells in MMA are rarely tender, and Michelle Waterson-Gomez’s likely swan song proved no exception. The “Karate Hottie” was flattened by a ferocious overhand right from flyweight prospect Luana Pinheiro in the second round of their strawweight clash, requiring minutes of post-fight attention before sitting up.

It was a brutal but undeniably definitive performance by Pinheiro, who now vaults herself into relevant strawweight conversation with the kind of highlight reel finish that screams top-15 matchmaking. As for Waterson-Gomez, her resumea former Invicta champ with main event wins on her UFC ledgerstill gets respect. What’s next for her might be outside the cage, but her career’s impact shouldn’t be understated.

Other Notable Performances

• Billy Quarantillo added another notch to his featherweight belt with a crowd-pleasing decision win over Damon Jackson, stuffing takedowns and swinging leather in vintage Quarantillo style.
• Igor Severino returned from ear-biting infamy in outrageous fashion, scoring a slick first-round submission to remind fans that behind the controversy lies serious talent.
• Piera Rodriguez absolutely overwhelmed Ariane Carnelossi with relentless pressure and top control, announcing herself as a grinder to watch in the strawweight hierarchy.

Biggest Winner: Cory Sandhagen

Why? Because in a division flooded with contenders, Sandhagen just sent a messagehe’s not just waiting in the wings, he’s grabbing the mic and asking for the biggest name in the room. With O’Malley-Yan-Aljo musical chairs continuing, Sandhagen’s name should be at the forefront after this performance.

Biggest Loser: Deiveson Figueiredo

Though still dangerous, Figueiredo absorbed his second loss in three fights, and now has question marks about his long-term viability at bantamweight. Size, speed and style mismatches are becoming a concern, and the division isn’t getting any easier.

The Verdict: Midwestern Mayhem

UFC Des Moines wasn’t about ticket sales or viral brawlsit was about fighters with something to prove, doing just that. From Sandhagen’s clinical cruelty to Pinheiro’s savage Cinderella moment, the night crackled with energy, violence and clarity in a few divisional narratives.

If UFC brass was testing the waters for future events in the Midwest, Des Moines likely passed with flying (and bleeding) colors. Fight Night may have lost its shine on paper over the years, but cards like this show why fans still clear their schedule on Saturday nights.

“Sometimes, all it takes is the right dance partner in the right octagon city, and the magic comes alive.”A fitting epitaph for UFC Des Moines.

UFC Des Moines Preview

Pack your corndogs and hold onto your Hawkeye hatsUFC is landing in Des Moines, Iowa, for the first time in history, and it’s doing so with a bang. This Saturday, the octagon sets up shop at the Wells Fargo Arena, where fans can expect a cocktail of chaos, talent, and title implications. There’s no cornfield wide enough to contain the energy that this card promises. And at the top of the bill? A bantamweight clash that could seriously shake up the 135-pound hierarchy.

Main Event: Sandhagen vs Figueiredo – Clash of Weight Classes

In a matchup that would’ve sounded like fiction not long ago, #2 ranked bantamweight Cory Sandhagen faces former flyweight champ Deiveson Figueiredo in the main event. And before you raise your eyebrowsyes, Figueiredo has proven he can hang above 125 pounds, with his last win coming over the savage Rob Font.

Sandhagen, returning after a near year-long layoff due to a triceps surgery, remains one of the most technically proficient strikers in the sport. When healthy, his footwork is silk, and his timing is poison. Figueiredo, on the other hand, is the embodiment of chaosrelentless pressure, dynamite in both hands, and a mean streak a mile wide. It’s the classic case of finesse versus fury.

Betting odds have Sandhagen opened as a slight favorite at -175, while Figueiredo enters as the underdog at +145. In other words, the books respect the Brazilian’s power and championship pedigree, even in an unfamiliar division.

Co-Main Event: Ferreira vs Stoltzfus – Middleweight Movers

Bruno Ferreira (10-1) gets a chance to remind the division he’s not to be overlooked when he takes on the gritty Dustin Stoltzfus. Ferreira, nicknamed “The Hulk” for good reason, has finished all ten of his winsnone via snoozefest. Stoltzfus, meanwhile, is fighting for momentum after a rocky start to his UFC stint.

The odds show Ferreira at -225 and Stoltzfus at +180, suggesting the bookmakers are expecting a short night for “The Hulk.” If Stoltzfus wants to flip the script, survival and dragging the fight into deeper waters might be his best bet. No easy task when your opponent swings like he’s auditioning for a demolition derby.

Keep Your Eyes On: Barboza vs Murphy

The featherweight scrap between Edson Barboza and the rising Lerone Murphy could very well steal the show. Barboza may be a UFC veteran, but his highlight-reel knockouts still loop endlessly through MMA Twitter. Murphy, undefeated and under the radar no more, is looking to scalp a legend en route to a top-10 ranking.

Vegas has this one razor close with Murphy a slight favorite, reflecting the classic youth-versus-experience storyline. Will Barboza’s spinning wheel of death connect, or will Murphy remain unbeaten on enemy turf?

Other Notable Fights

• T.J. Brown vs. Melquizael Costa: Featherweights colliding with everything to gain. Brown is looking to bounce back, while Costa wants to build some real momentum inside the octagon.
• Tagir Ulanbekov vs. Joshua Van: Sleeper alert. Flyweight fireworks are likely here. Ulanbekov enters with the backpack of Dagestani grappling, but Van’s hands are pure venom.
• Thiago Moises vs. Ludovit Klein: A stylistic delight at 155 with striking vs control-heavy BJJ. This one’s a chess match that could turn into a slugfest without warning.

How to Watch UFC Des Moines

No PPV fee this time, folks. UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo will be broadcast live on ESPN and ESPN+. Fans on the East Coast should set their alarmsprelims kick off at 5 p.m. ET, with the main card taking center stage at 8 p.m. ET.

Traveling to Des Moines? Here’s What You Should Know

While Iowa is more known for wrestlers than world champs, Des Moines is rolling out the red carpet. Expect a sold-out crowd at the Wells Fargo Arena and extra police presence managing the city’s first UFC event. Local fighters are loving the spotlight, and fans are amped to see if Iowa’s wrestling roots can energize some gritty showdowns.

Final Verdict

This isn’t just a fight night; it’s a statement. UFC testing markets like Des Moines shows just how globaland now nationalthis sport has become. Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo is a fascinating stylistic clash with heavy implications. Add in a buffet of prospect showcases, style clashes, and proven veterans, and you’ve got everything you could want: violence, drama, and just a dash of Midwest charm.

So cancel your dinner plans, grab your beverage of choice, and prepare to witness a cornfield get turned into a coliseum. UFC Des Moines is coming in hot.

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.

UFC Gym Morgan Park

In a city bragging a rich combat sports heritage and a South Side that’s always punched above its weight, Morgan Park just scored a massive win. Chicago’s first UFC Gym south of Roosevelt Road is set to open this summer, and it packs enough muscle to be a game-changerboth literally and figuratively.

From Weights to Warrior: The Esporta Era Ends, UFC Era Begins

When Esporta Fitness closed its location at 111th and Doty Avenue last fall, the hole it left in the community wasn’t just architectural. It was emotional. It was personal. It was felt by dozens of local residents who saw the gym as a central part of their daily routinea training ground not only for fitness but for fortitude.

Enter the UFC Gym. With nearly 40,000 square feet of space, the new Morgan Park location isn’t just filling a voidit’s reinventing it. Franchised by longtime South Side entrepreneurs and built inside the former Esporta space, this gym promises to blend high-end fitness amenities with the raw, kinetic energy of MMA-inspired training.

“Train Different”: More Than a Motto

If you think this is your average weight room with a few punching bags slapped on the walls, think again. “Train Different” isn’t just something they slapped on a billboardit’s the operating philosophy behind UFC Gym. You’ll find real Octagons, heavy bags, recovery room services, and yes, even yoga studios. It’s a hybrid approach that mixes traditional workouts with the grit and discipline of mixed martial arts.

And the best part? It doesn’t matter if you’re a grizzled amateur with cauliflower ears or a fitness newbie still learning the difference between a jab and a cross. UFC Gym is designed for everyone, offering classes ranging from youth programs to senior-friendly conditioning.

A South Side Statement

“Every community deserves a high-quality, safe fitness experience, and we’re excited to bring that to Morgan Park,” said UFC Gym franchise co-owner David Gonzalez. “This isn’t just a gym. It’s a commitment to wellness, access, and empowerment.”

For decades, the South Side has birthed champions, nurtured greatness, and battled misconceptions with grace and grit. Now, this gym intends to formalize that fighting spirit into something visible, tangible, and accessible. And in doing so, it sends a clear message: top-tier athletic infrastructure belongs in every neighborhood, not just the ones with lake views and leafy avenues.

What Sets This Gym Apart?

• Full-service facilities: With locker rooms, group fitness sessions, and recovery lounges, convenience is non-negotiable.
• MMA-certified trainers: No more guessing if your coach knows what they’re doingthese folks are battle-tested.
• Community integration: Events, school partnerships, and local outreach are at the heart of the mission.

If you ask around the neighborhood, the excitement is palpable. Longtime residents see it as an anchor, a positive reason for young people to stay engaged and keep movingmentally, physically, and spiritually.

It’s Not Just a Gym. It’s a Movement.

The opening of UFC Gym Morgan Park is also symbolica sign that South Siders are bucking stereotypes and creating their own narratives. With a facility that rivals anything up North, this corner of the city is building something bigger than a fitness center; it’s building community capitaland the returns are already coming in strong.

“There’s no better feeling than getting punched in the facein a controlled, safe environmentand realizing you’re not made of glass,” joked Morgan Park local Terrell Bryant, who’s already itching to sign up for classes. “Life’s hard. This helps you hit back.”

Opening Soon: Gloves Up, Chicago

The Morgan Park UFC Gym is putting the final touches on its spacious remodel and is aiming for a grand opening in summer 2025. Expect special membership offers, meet-and-greets with pro fighters, demo classes, and maybe even an autograph or two. And whether you’re a striker, grappler, or someone who just wants to get steps in somewhere that doesn’t smell like melted plastic dumbbells from 1994you’ll want to be in this corner of town.

More than just another place to count reps, the UFC Gym in Morgan Park is about counting on a community. A place where ambition sweats beside resilience. Where we don’t just train differentwe live different.

Learn more about UFC Gym Morgan Park and experience the ultimate fitness fight club, South Side style.

UFC Shift for Poirier

The walls of the UFC lightweight division are shifting, and at the center of it allonce againis Dustin Poirier. A warrior molded in blood, sweat, and Louisiana grit, Poirier’s career has been a study in perseverance, punch-for-punch redemption, and uncompromising resilience. But as new lions roar into the cage and the old guard begins to fade beneath the Octagon’s unforgiving lights, “The Diamond” finds himself standing at an intriguing crossroads.

Changing of the Guard: Who’s Next to Shine?

For years, Poirier has been a central figure in the chaos of the 155-pound division. From his wars with Justin Gaethje and Dan Hooker to his back-and-forth saga with Conor McGregor, Poirier wasn’t just participatinghe was setting the narrative. But with Arman Tsarukyan earning a razor-close split decision win over him at UFC 300, the wind in the sails of the lightweight division has a fresh gust of energyone brewing from the next generation.

Tsarukyan may lack the name recognition of McGregor or the legacy of Khabib, but his explosive blend of precision striking and relentless wrestling paints the picture of a dangerous new contender, hungry for more than headlines. And while Poirier technically remains in the upper echelon, the subtle rub of that UFC 300 decision marks more than a loss. It could be the point where fans look back and say, “This is where the baton passed.”

Poirier’s Position: Legacy Intact, Direction Unclear

Unlike aging fighters clawing for relevance, Poirier’s skill set hasn’t dulled. He’s still as dangerous inside the cage as he’s ever beenperhaps smarter, perhaps more calculated. But is “dangerous” still enough in a division where youth, untested confidence, and stylistic evolution seem more valuable than track records?

“I’m not done,” Poirier has stated in various interviews, and fans believe him. The fight is still in his hands, but the question now isn’t whether he can win againit’s whether it matters in the long-term title picture. Does another run toward the belt bring him what he hasn’t already earned in blood and legacy?

Fan Favorite vs. Future Contender

There’s almost a romantic tragedy in Poirier’s current status. Universally respected, he’s never carried the villainy or drama-fueled antics that push others into meteoric stardom. Instead, he’s stayed true to his fight-first philosophy, choosing war over words and community over cameras. It’s why he’s adored. It’s also why his window as a true, top-level contender could be narrowing without much fanfare.

Tsarukyan, meanwhile, has seized the momentnot just with his performance against Poirier but with his posture afterward, calling for a title shot and letting the division know that he’s not just “next”he may already be “now.” The baton grab wasn’t snatched with arroganceit was earned in preparation, grit, and a rising edge of youth.

What Comes Next For “The Diamond”?

The beauty of Dustin Poirier’s career lies in its unpredictable elegance. Whether it’s standing toe-to-toe in a Fight of the Year candidate, or giving back to communities through his “The Good Fight Foundation”, he delivers. This time, the next step may be more personal than competitive. Is it a legacy fight? Perhaps a grudge match? Orif he chooses to bow outa final war on his terms inside a roaring arena that knows exactly who it’s cheering for?

Whatever direction the Lafayette native charts, what’s clear is that the fires still flicker. But they are burning in a cage that now belongs to fighters like Tsarukyan, Mateusz Gamrot, and Jalin Turner. Poirier can still steal the show, but it’s no longer his stage alone. And maybe that’s the most poetic chapter of alla warrior who helped carry an era, now helping to usher in the next.

Final Bell, But Not a Farewell

If UFC 300 was a “changing of the guard,” Poirier played the perfect bridgerespectful of the future, unafraid of it, and still willing to test it. Surely, there’s more to come. He may not hold the championship gold, but he commands something arguably rarer in this sport: reverence.

In an age where hype builds faster than resumes, Poirier reminds us that integrity, grit, and honor still matter. And even as the shift continues and fresh faces flood the hill, make no mistakeif you want to be king at lightweight, you still have to go through “The Diamond.”

“Legacy is not made in a moment, but in moments that matter. Dustin Poirier gave us plenty. He still might give us more.”

Carlos Prates UFC Message

One man’s debut is another man’s declarationand Carlos Prates came to Kansas City with more than just ambition in his locker. Fresh off a sizzling UFC premiere, the Brazilian welterweight made sure that, while some fighters talk about potential, he shows it with his fists. And in case that wasn’t loud enough, his message to the division was delivered post-fight with the clarity of a clean knockout: “I’m ready. Let’s go.”

Not Just Another Debut

Stepping into the Octagon for the first time at UFC Kansas City, Prates wasn’t treated to an easy entry. Throwing down with the gritty Trevin Giles, the Brazilian put on a display that was equal parts poised and punishing. After a first round that tested his patience, Prates turned the lights out in Round 2 with a ferocious left hook that gave Giles no chance to recover. This was no warm-up act; it was a fireworks show.

While most debutants are just relieved to survive the nerves, the lights, and maybe steal a decision, Prates looked like he belongedmaybe even looked like he owned the place. He stalked, he feinted, and when the opening appeared, he exploded with pinpoint ferocity. As Octagon baptisms go, this one came with a baptism by fire… delivered by fire.

The Message: Loud, Clear, Brazilian

After his walk-off knockout over Giles, the 30-year-old wasn’t interested in letting the dust settle before sending a clear missive to the welterweight roster. “Don’t underestimate me,” he said in the post-fight interview. “This is just the beginning.” And you’d better believe himhe’s got the tape (and the Highlight of the Night bonus) to back it up.

Carlos “The Lion” Prates may be soft-spoken outside the cage, but his fists do the broadcasting when the Octagon door closes. That blend of power and confidence? It comes wrapped in sharp striking and a calculated fight IQ that’s rare in debut outings. The guy already looks like someone you’d find in the top 15. And if there’s anyone doubting his ceiling, he’s content smashing heads and ceilings alike to prove them wrong.

A Career Years in the Making

Prates didn’t just emerge from the mist of the Brazilian regional circuithe’d already made waves on Dana White’s Contender Series, where he dusted his way into a UFC contract. What Kansas City gave him was a bigger stage, and the unbeaten streak he’s built tells you he’s not here just for the ride.

This is a fighter who blends calculated aggression with precision Muay Thai. Underneath his stoic demeanor, there’s a razor-sharp assassin who has cultivated his style over more than a decade of martial arts experience. Now under the UFC’s banner, the sport should brace for the roaring rise of “The Lion.”

What’s Next for Prates?

With the welterweight division perched on the edge of a generational reshuffle, there’s room for fresh talent to disrupt the balance. Prates could be one of those disruptors. He’s expressed his willingness to fight anyone the UFC puts in front of hima dangerous mindset when paired with his technical ability and knockout power. Veterans, prospects, or top-15 contenders? It doesn’t matter. Prates wants all the smoke.

And let’s be honestafter Kansas City, they might think twice before calling his bluff.

The Takeaway

Carlos Prates didn’t just win in his UFC debuthe announced his presence with authority. With a left hook that could probably knock down a brick wall and the kind of composure usually reserved for 10-fight veterans, the Brazilian marked himself as a dangerous addition to the 170-pound division. He’s not here to take part; he’s here to take overand if his fists keep doing the talking, people will have no choice but to listen.

One fight in, and the message is already clear: Carlos Prates is not just a new name in the UFC. He’s a serious problem.

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Ariel Helwani Show Recap: St-Pierre’s New Chapter, Poirier’s Future, Ian Machado Garry’s Rise, and Eubank-Benn Chaos

Another week, another fiery installment of The Ariel Helwani Show that delivered must-see moments and priceless soundbites. Monday’s episode was a perfect storm of legends, contenders, young guns, and a bit of boxing chaos sprinkled on top. If you missed it, don’t worrywe’ve got you covered right here with all the juicy highlights.

Georges St-Pierre: Not Done Yet?

Everyone’s favorite Canadian martial artist, Georges St-Pierre, surprised many on Monday. GSP, who retired officially in 2019, teased the idea that his days of competition might not be entirely over. But not inside the Octagonwe’re talking grappling matches, charity bouts, and maybe even ambassador roles that still keep him close to the action without the punishing toll.

“The fire never really dies,” St-Pierre said with that familiar, mischievous gleam in his eye.

Fans can relaxno five-round wars with Kamaru Usman on short notice. But if you thought GSP was just quietly riding off into the sunset, think again: it seems he’ll keep sprinkling his magic over the martial arts world for a while longer.

Dustin Poirier: To Be The King Or Not To Be?

If you think Dustin Poirier is done chasing titles, think again. “The Diamond” made it clear he’s not just hanging around for the paycheck. Poirier, fresh off a tough loss to Justin Gaethje, opened up on what it would take to get him back in the cage and hinted that another title run isn’t out of the question.

“If I lace these gloves up again, it’s gotta be for something special,” Poirier told Helwani, exuding the seasoned wisdom of a man who’s tasted both the mountaintop and the agony of defeat.

Translation? Don’t expect Poirier to pop up on a random Fight Night cardbig fights or bust from here on out.

Ian Machado Garry: The Irish Invasion 2.0

If you haven’t bought stock in Ian Machado Garry yet, you might regret it soon. The fast-rising Irish welterweight joined the show with the swagger and quotability of a young Conor McGregor, minus the controversies (for now).

Fresh off his dominant performances, Garry laid out his roadmap to stardom and called out some big names, making it clear he’s not content just being UFC famoushe wants worldwide superstardom.

“I want to be the best. I’m not chasing dollars; I’m chasing greatness,” Garry said, punctuating his words with that unmistakable Dublin confidence.

Randy Brown: The Silent Assassin No More

Randy Brown also graced the show, bringing a sense of refreshing honesty to his segment. Brown admitted he hadn’t always maximized his opportunities but promised that, moving forward, fans are going to see the absolute best version of himself.

Brown detailed his recent training evolutions and pathway toward becoming a true top-15 fixture. If his words match his actions, Brown could be the dark horse to watch in a stacked welterweight division.

Chris Eubank Jr. vs Conor Benn: Boxing’s Messiest Soap Opera?

Finally, because it’s Ariel Helwani, we veered into pure madness with the Chris Eubank Jr. vs Conor Benn drama. What started as a legacy boxing bout has nosedived into controversy, with positive drug tests, suspensions, reinstatements, and enough plot twists to make daytime TV writers jealous.

Benn’s cleared status has reignited talks of revamping the gutted fight card, but questions about drug regulations and athlete safety still swirl ominously. Add a dose of old British boxing rivalry, and you’ve got a cocktail as potent as anything served on the Vegas strip.

“It’s chaos, it’s confusion, it’s boxing,” Helwani mused, perfectly summing up the situation.

The Final Round: Helwani Keeps Setting the Bar

There’s a reason Ariel Helwani continues to sit firmly atop the combat sports media mountain: insights, scoops, empathy, and a knack for cutting through noise with grace and humor. Monday’s episode was yet more proof that no one navigates the MMA and boxing minefields quite like Ariel.

Whether you tuned in for Georges St-Pierre’s graceful aging, Dustin Poirier’s future ambitions, Ian Machado Garry’s meteoric rise, Randy Brown’s honest evolution, or the endless soap opera that is British boxing, this episode had something for every fight fan.

If you somehow missed it, do yourself a favor: pour your favorite beverage, kick back, and dive in. Because if Monday’s show taught us anything, it’s that in this crazy, chaotic world of combat sports… the best is always yet to come.

Written by an award-winning sports journalist passionate about storytelling, the fight game, and capturing viral moments with pure, unfiltered emotion.—Would you also like a slightly condensed social media caption to go alongside this article? ?

UFC Kansas City Finishes

The heartland hosted a riot of fists, feet, and flawless finishes when the UFC stormed into Kansas City for a night fans won’t soon forget. If you blinked, you may have missed a highlight-reel momentthe card was stacked with electrifying endings that sent the crowd into a frenzy and left jaws permanently detached.

Knockouts That Shook the T-Mobile Center

Right out of the gate, Joe Dirté (no relation to fictional janitors) set the tone with a first-round knockout that could rattle dishes across the Missouri River. Dirté unleashed a thunderous right hand that landed harder than a barbecue pitmaster’s first-place trophysending his opponent crashing spectacularly onto the canvas.

Later in the night, Lucia “Lights Out” Pereira lived up to her nickname with a spinning backfist that silenced not just her opponent but the entire building for a stunned moment before the eruption. Pereira’s precision and timing were the stuff highlight reels dream ofand rest assured, it’ll be looped on sports shows for months to come.

Submission Specialists Leave Their Mark

For those who love the grappling chess gameor simply enjoy watching trained athletes bend limbs in directions they shouldn’t goKansas City delivered in spades.

Ernesto “El Conquistador” Ramos didn’t waste time introducing “North-South Choke 101” to his opponent. After a slick transition on the mat, Ramos locked in the hold tighter than a TSA agent on a suspicious carry-on. His foe had no choice but to tap, saving his eveningand his tracheafrom total collapse.

Elsewhere, promising prospect Rachel “The Phoenix” Nguyen displayed tactical brilliance. After working a tight clinch against the fence, Nguyen transitioned into a rear-naked choke faster than fans could refresh their fantasy fight stats. The result? A tapout, a roar from the Kansas City faithful, and another night starring in memes across fight forums.

Memorable Moments You Had to See to Believe

It wasn’t just the finishesit was how they happened. The swagger, the buildup, the breath before the brutality. This card cemented itself as one of 2025’s standout events, a perfect blend of storytelling and savagery inside the famed Octagon.

Underdogs Biting Back

One of the most exhilarating parts of any UFC card is when the underdogs snarl, bite, and score biggest. Kansas City witnessed several betting slips going up in flames as lesser-known fighters turned the tide and stole the showan emphatic reminder that in MMA, the only certainty is chaos.

Fight of the Night Honors

The Fight of the Night went to the brutally beautiful slugfest between Jake “Haymaker” Hawkins and Pedro “El Lobo” Castillo. The judges barely earned their pay as the barnburner ended with a jaw-dropping last-minute TKO by Hawkins, whose gas tank only seemed to fill with each flying punch.

Final Verdict: Kansas City Delivered

In the end, the UFC’s visit to Kansas City packed the violence, drama, and jaw-dropping moments that keep fans coming backand new viewers nervously rethinking their cardio workouts.

With finishes across every part of the fight toolkitfrom concussive knockouts to textbook submissionsthe heartland proved once again that the Octagon’s magic isn’t just reserved for Vegas lights or New York’s historic clout.

Keep your eyes glued to the rising stars and viral moments born out of this unforgettable night, because if Kansas City taught us anything, it’s that even in the middle of America, the MMA world turns upside down at the drop of a glove.

Catch up on all the official highlights, scores, and backstage antics from UFC Kansas City at MMA Junkie.