The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to make history with its highly anticipated debut in Des Moines, Iowa. UFC Fight Night 258 will take place at the Wells Fargo Arena on May 3, 2025, marking the UFC’s first visit to the state since UFC 26 in June 2000. This long-awaited return is expected to deliver an action-packed night of elite mixed martial arts, featuring rising contenders and fan-favorite fighters battling inside the Octagon.
As the UFC continues to expand its reach to new cities, Des Moines has emerged as the latest destination for top-tier combat sports. The city’s passionate fanbase and the excitement surrounding the event make UFC Fight Night 258 a must-watch spectacle. With a lineup of thrilling fights already in the works, anticipation is building for an unforgettable night in Iowa.
UFC Des Moines 2025: Event Date
The official date for UFC Fight Night 258 is May 3, 2025, and the event will take place at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa. This historic event will not only showcase high-stakes matchups but also introduce a new audience to the UFC experience. Given that this marks the UFC’s first event in Iowa in over two decades, local and traveling fight fans alike are expected to fill the arena, creating an electric atmosphere.
Several fights have already been announced for the event, including an exciting women’s strawweight clash between Marina Rodriguez and Gillian Robertson. Additionally, a featherweight showdown between Trevor Peek and Lee Jeong-yeong is set to deliver fireworks. The bantamweight division will also be on display, with Cameron Smotherman facing Serhiy Sidey in what promises to be a high-paced battle.
With its strategic placement on the UFC calendar, UFC Fight Night 258 comes at a crucial moment for fighters looking to climb the rankings. The stakes are high, and every bout will be an opportunity to make a statement. As more fights are confirmed in the coming weeks, excitement will only continue to grow.
UFC Des Moines 2025 Fight Card
The official fight lineup for UFC Fight Night 258 is shaping up to be an exciting night as the UFC makes its long-awaited debut in Des Moines. Set to take place at the Wells Fargo Arena, this event will showcase a mix of rising contenders and experienced veterans looking to climb the ranks in their respective divisions. With Iowa’s passionate sports fans and the thrill of a first-time UFC event in the city, the energy inside the arena is expected to be electric.
Headlining the card is a highly anticipated women’s strawweight clash between top-ranked fighter Marina Rodriguez and submission specialist Gillian Robertson. The co-main event will feature an intense featherweight showdown between the hard-hitting Trevor Peek and the dynamic Lee Jeong-yeong. Additionally, an exciting bantamweight bout between Cameron Smotherman and Serhiy Sidey will round out the main attractions of the night.
Main Card Highlights (Confirmed Matchups):
- Main Event: Marina Rodriguez vs. Gillian Robertson (Women’s Strawweight)
- Co-Main Event: Trevor Peek vs. Lee Jeong-yeong (Featherweight)
- Bantamweight Clash: Cameron Smotherman vs. Serhiy Sidey
- Lightweight Bout: Yet-to-be-announced contenders set to face off
- Welterweight Fight: Potential battle between two up-and-coming strikers
- Heavyweight Showdown: Power punchers looking to make a statement
UFC Fight Night 258 is set to be a landmark event for Des Moines, bringing world-class MMA action to Iowa for the first time in over two decades. With a stacked card featuring thrilling matchups, the night promises non-stop excitement and high-level competition inside the Octagon.
As more fights are confirmed, anticipation for this historic event continues to grow. Tickets are not yet available, but with the UFC’s debut in Des Moines, demand is expected to be overwhelming. Stay tuned for official ticket sales announcements and make sure to secure your seat for an unforgettable night at UFC Fight Night 258!
UFC Des Moines 2025 Ticket Prices
While official ticket prices for UFC Fight Night 258 have not yet been announced, we can estimate the expected costs based on similar past UFC Fight Night events. Below is a general price range for comparable events:
- VIP Octagon-Side Seats: $1,200 – $2,500
- Premium Floor Seating: $600 – $1,200
- Lower Level Close to the Cage: $350 – $600
- Mid-Level Seating: $250 – $350
- Upper Bowl Prime Seats: $150 – $250
- General Admission (Upper Level/Nosebleeds): $80 – $150
Given the historic nature of this event and the UFC’s increasing popularity in new markets, ticket prices may vary slightly compared to previous Fight Night events. The pricing tiers provide a range of options for fans, whether they want to be close to the Octagon or are looking for a more budget-friendly seat to witness the action live.
With UFC Fight Night 258 bringing elite MMA action to Des Moines for the first time in over 20 years, tickets are expected to sell out fast. Be sure to stay tuned for official ticket release dates and secure your spot at Wells Fargo Arena for an unforgettable night of fights!
History of UFC Events in Iowa
While UFC Fight Night 258 in Des Moines marks the promotion’s first-ever event in the city, the state of Iowa has played a key role in UFC history. Over two decades ago, Iowa was home to some of the early UFC events, showcasing elite fighters and contributing to the sport’s growth. As the UFC makes its long-awaited return to Iowa with UFC Fight Night 258, let’s take a look at the past events that helped shape the state’s MMA legacy.
UFC 21: Return of the Champions (1999)
On July 16, 1999, the UFC visited Iowa for the first time with UFC 21: Return of the Champions. Held at the Five Seasons Events Center in Cedar Rapids, this event featured a lineup of rising stars and future legends. UFC 21 is often remembered for implementing new rules that shaped modern MMA, including the adoption of five-minute rounds for non-title fights.
UFC 26: Ultimate Field of Dreams (2000)
Less than a year later, the UFC returned to Cedar Rapids on June 9, 2000, for UFC 26: Ultimate Field of Dreams. This event was headlined by a lightweight championship bout, further establishing Iowa as a key location in the UFC’s early expansion. Despite hosting a modest crowd of 1,100 fans, the event helped pave the way for the sport’s future growth.
Now, with UFC Fight Night 258 set to take place in Des Moines at Wells Fargo Arena, the UFC is finally bringing world-class MMA back to Iowa for the first time in over two decades. Given the state’s deep wrestling and combat sports history, this event is expected to generate high levels of excitement and bring a passionate crowd ready to witness elite-level competition. With a fresh slate of fighters and an electrifying fight card, UFC Fight Night 258 is set to be a historic night for MMA in Iowa.