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 Combating Championship is eyeing a return to Iowa for the primary time in 25 years. In response to a report from Alex Behunin, the UFC is focusing on a Struggle Evening occasion in Des Moines on Might 3, 2025.
As soon as upon a time, Iowa was thought-about one of many central hubs for blended martial arts. Particularly, Bettendorf, Iowa, town I at present name dwelling. Three minutes away from the place I’m penning this very article is the location of the previous Miletich Combating Techniques gymnasium. There, among the greatest 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 gymnasium embrace present BKFC heavyweight champion ‘Large’ Ben Rothwell, Drew McFedries, Jeremy Horn, and Spencer Fisher.
To this present day, MFS continues to be thought to be one of the vital 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 Heart in Cedar Rapids. Hopefully, that two-and-a-half decade-long drought will come to an finish this Might.
Simply to offer you an thought of how lengthy it’s been because the UFC has stepped foot within the state, right here is the total major 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
