Lastly, the UFC is coming again to Iowa!
As a lifelong native of the Hawkeye State, it’s my nice pleasure to announce that the Final Preventing Championship is eyeing a return to Iowa for the primary time in 25 years. In keeping with a report from Alex Behunin, the UFC is focusing on a Struggle Evening occasion in Des Moines on Could 3, 2025.
Nothing set in stone however UFC is focusing on a ‘Fight Night’ in Des Moines, Iowa on Could 3, 2025.
The promotion has not held an occasion in Iowa since UFC 26 in 2000.
— Alex Behunin (@AlexBehunin) January 28, 2025
As soon as upon a time, Iowa was thought of one of many central hubs for blended martial arts. Particularly, Bettendorf, Iowa, the town I at the moment name house. Three minutes away from the place I’m penning this very article is the location of the outdated Miletich Preventing Techniques fitness center. There, among the largest names in MMA historical past reduce their enamel, together with former UFC champions Matt Hughes, Jens Pulver, Tim Sylvia, ‘Ruthless’ Robbie Lawler, and naturally, proprietor Pat Miletich.
Different names who educated on the legendary fitness center embrace present BKFC heavyweight champion ‘Big’ Ben Rothwell, Drew McFedries, Jeremy Horn, and Spencer Fisher.
To today, MFS remains to be considered one of the profitable MMA camps of all time.
UFC 26 was the promotion’s final occasion in Iowa
Regardless of that, the UFC solely held two occasions within the state, UFC 21 on July 16, 1999, and UFC 26 on June 9, 2000, each of which had been held on the 5 Seasons Occasions Middle in Cedar Rapids. Hopefully, that two-and-a-half decade-long drought will come to an finish this Could.
Simply to offer you an concept of how lengthy it’s been because the UFC has stepped foot within the state, right here is the complete foremost card for the final time the promotion ran in Iowa.
Kevin Randleman def. Pedro Rizzo by way of unanimous resolution to retain the UFC heavyweight championship
Tyrone Roberts def. David Dodd by way of unanimous resolution
Pat Miletich def. John Alessio by way of submission (armbar) at 1:43 of Spherical 2 to retain the UFC welterweight championship
Amaury Bitetti def. Alex Andrade by way of DQ (kicking with sneakers) at 0:43 of Spherical 2
Matt Hughes def. Marcelo Aguiar by way of TKO (physician’s stoppage) at 4:34 of Spherical 1
Jens Pulver def. Joao Roque by way of unanimous resolution
