For the first time in nearly 25 years, Dana White and the UFC return to Iowa with UFC on ESPN 67, and it’s bringing serious money with it. Set to take place at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, this card carries more than just fights—it carries history. With Cory Sandhagen vs Deiveson Figueiredo headlining the card, the event promises to deliver action in spades for the fans!

But here’s the twist—besides the blood, sweat, and glory, there’s another story unfolding: the dollars behind the drama. Who will be walking out of Des Moines with the heaviest pockets? From the main event to Jeremy Stephens’ return to the Octagon in his hometown, let’s break down the money on the line for these warriors!

UFC Des Moines purses on the line for Cory Sandhagen, Deiveson Figueiredo, Bo Nickal and more

When Cory Sandhagen steps into the Octagon, he doesn’t just bring striking elegance—he brings a paycheck worth fighting for. At UFC Vegas 60, he bagged $150,000 just to show up. Add another $150,000 for the win, plus $11,000 in sponsorships, and he walked away with $311,000. Against Figueiredo, expect a similar number—win or lose, Sandhagen’s bank account should see a boost.

But don’t count Deiveson Figueiredo out. The former flyweight king may be stepping up in weight, but his wallet has always carried heavyweight numbers. At UFC 300, “Deus da Guerra” raked in a total of $516,000—with a juicy performance bonus of $100,000 in the mix. As a former champ, Figueiredo commands a premium. For this main event? Expect him to cash in big once again.

The co-main features two undefeated titans ready to risk it all. Bo Nickal, the wrestling phenom, isn’t just climbing the ranks—he’s stacking cash. At UFC 309, he earned $200,000 to show and another $200,000 to win. That’s $400,000—not bad for someone just getting started.

His opponent, Reinier De Ridder, walked into UFC 311 with a smile and left $210,000 richer. That figure included a $105,000 win bonus.

However, it’s important to note that all figures provided in the article are estimates based on publicly available sources and may not reflect actual figures or contracts!

Jeremy Stephens, Santiago Ponzinibbio, and others’ payouts for UFC on ESPN 67

Santiago Ponzinibbio vs Daniel Rodriguez is another exciting matchup. Ponzinibbio’s been around the block, and it shows in his bank balance. Once a scrappy underdog, now he’s a seasoned vet with a base pay touching the $200,000 mark. Rodriguez? Not far behind. His estimated base purse is $111,000, with another $11,000 in sponsorships. With a win, he could take home over $130,000.

Montel Jackson’s checks are getting thicker. His guaranteed purse sits around $75,000, plus $6,000 from sponsors. A win could push him past $150,000. Daniel Marcos, still climbing, comes in with $50,000 guaranteed and another $6,000 on the side. But don’t be fooled—momentum can turn numbers into noise.

Cameron Smotherman is new, but he’s not fighting for free. He enters with a $30,000 base and $4,000 in sponsorship. That’s $34,000 just to walk in the cage. Serhiy Sidey, meanwhile, has $24,000 in base pay and the same sponsor tally. This fight might be lower on the card, but the stakes are just as real.

Now here’s a homecoming tale worth telling. Jeremy “Lil’ Heathen” Stephens returns to Des Moines and the UFC after stints in PFL and BKFC, carrying the roar of the crowd and a $110,000 base purse. Add $21,000 in sponsor pay, and he’s set for a $131,000 payday—win or lose.

Mason Jones, the former Cage Warriors champ, comes in lighter on the wallet with a $30,000 base and $4,500 in sponsorships. But this isn’t just a paycheck for him—it’s a chance to shake the Octagon and rewrite his UFC narrative.

To wrap things up, in a state where legends once trained and champions were born, UFC Des Moines offers a poetic return, one laced with fists, fortunes, and a faint echo of history. So, what do you think? Who leaves Iowa richer, financially or in legacy? Let us know in the comments below!