Identifying Three Emerging Competitors To Keep Close Tabs On This Weekend In Iowa
By E. Spencer Kyte • Apr. 29, 2025
It has been a touch under 25 years since the UFC Octagon touched down in the state of Iowa, for UFC 26: Ultimate Field of Dreams.
The event was headlined by the late Kevin Randleman successfully defending the heavyweight title against Pedro Rizzo, and featured a welterweight title defense by Pat Miletich, as well as early appearances by two future UFC titleholders and Miletich Fighting Systems members, Matt Hughes and Jens Pulver.
A quarter-century later, the UFC is back in “The Hawkeye State” with an explosive collection of fights that includes two former champions, a handful of current contenders, and native Iowan Jeremy Stephens returning to the promotion in a guaranteed barnburner against Mason Jones.