The Octagon returns to Iowa after nearly 25 years, as UFC on ESPN 67 marks the promotion’s first visit to Des Moines and only the third card ever hosted in the ‘Hawkeye State’. But for longtime MMA fans, Iowa is no stranger to the sport. Bettendorf once served as the beating heart of American MMA, with Pat Miletich’s iconic gym producing legends like Matt Hughes and Robbie Lawler.
Now, a new generation enters the arena where the echoes of past still linger. And what better way to set the tone than with the walkout songs—those raw, pulse-pounding anthems that tell you everything you need to know about the fighter who’s about to step into the cage. Here’s a look at the soundtrack for fighters like Cory Sandhagen, Bo Nickal, and more as they gear up to deliver fireworks inside the cage in Iowa!
UFC Des Moines walkout songs for Cory Sandhagen, Deiveson Figueiredo, Bo Nickal, and more
When Cory Sandhagen walks out, you never know quite what vibe he’ll bring. Once, it was the gritty boom-bap of “Gimme the Loot” by Notorious B.I.G.—a song soaked in swagger and street logic. But then, for his fight against Rob Font, he floated out to Seal’s “Fly Like an Eagle.”
In his last fight against Umar Nurmagomedov, he turned the dial to Jimi Hendrix’s psychedelic roar with “Voodoo Child (Slight Return).” Each song is a mood, a message, and maybe even a warning. So what will he choose in Des Moines? After his recent loss to Nurmagomedov, he’ll be walking in with something to prove—and perhaps a song to match that chip on his shoulder.
On the flip side, Deiveson Figueiredo brings the fire of Brazil with him. His go-to track? “Bandoleros” by Don Omar and Tego Calderón—a reggaeton classic with rebel spirit. But at UFC Fight Night against Petr Yan, he changed the tempo with “Daqui Pra Sempre” by Manu Bahtidão.
Both men are coming off decision losses. Both want redemption. Both will try to set the tone the moment their song hits the arena speakers.
Bo Nickal, the wrestling phenom with a face as calm as a lake before a storm, often chooses “Hand of God” by Jon Bellion for his walkouts. His opponent, Reinier De Ridder, doesn’t play by the rules when it comes to music or fighting. For his UFC debut against Kevin Holland, he marched out to “Out of Egypt” by Don Garcia, remixed over Dr. Dre’s “Big Ego’s.”
So, what about the songs for the rest of the main card fighters? Let’s have a look.
Jeremy Stephens, Santiago Ponzinibbio, and more walkout songs
In the Santiago Ponzinibbio vs Daniel Rodriguez clash, the veteran Ponzinibbio brings Latin thunder with “Pa’ la Seleccion” by La T y La M—a track meant for stadiums and celebrations. It’s loud, proud, and full of Argentine spirit. Rodriguez answers with West Coast cool. “Dollaz + Sense” by DJ Quik is pure California street poetry. Smooth and lethal. When these two meet, expect fireworks—and a soundtrack to match.
For Montel Jackson, who’ll be taking on Daniel Marcos, his pick, “We Ball” by Meek Mill feat. Young Thug says it loud: loss is part of the journey, but so is rising from it. It’s a hard-hitting anthem of survival. Marcos goes the introspective route with “Un Dia Todo Se Termina” by Tornillo and Santa Fe Klan. The title means “One Day, Everything Ends.” Heavy, right?
Cameron Smotherman is making his second UFC appearance against Serhiy Sidey; as such, not much is known about his choice of walkout music. Sidey, on the other hand, uses “Super Gremlin” by Kodak Black.
Last, but definitely not the least, hometown hero Jeremy Stephens returns—and you better believe he’s not walking out quietly. Last time he entered the UFC cage, it was to “Till I Collapse” by Eminem. And now, back in Des Moines, he’s expected to lean into that same relentless energy. Mason Jones, ‘Lil Heathen’s opponent and the former double champ from Cage Warriors, has previously walked out to “Broken People” by Logic and Rag’n’Bone Man—a song that hints at struggle and redemption—maybe even a warning to fans underestimating him.
So, which track will become the anthem that stands out the most at UFC Des Moines? Let us know in the comments below!
The post UFC Des Moines Walkout Songs: Which Tracks Will Cory Sandhagen, Deiveson Figueiredo, Bo Nickal and Others Walk Out to at Iowa? appeared first on EssentiallySports.