Expert prediction
UFC Des Moines: Yana Santos vs. Miesha Tate Preview, Odds, Prediction
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- Yana Santos vs. Miesha Tate is one of the best UFC Des Moines prelims.
- Miesha Tate is favored to beat Yana Santos on May 3.
Yana Santos vs. Miesha Tate is a clash between two legends of women’s MMA. Santos is a hell of a striker, while Tate has incredible grappling/wrestling skills. They’re both in their mid-to-late 30s, which is why the UFC Des Moines fight is of super importance for both.
How to Watch
- Where: Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa
- When: Saturday, May 3, 7 pm ET
- How to Watch: ESPN
Yana Santos vs. Miesha Tate Odds
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Yana Santos | +124 |
| Miesha Tate | -144 |
Yana Santos vs. Miesha Tate Preview
Yana Santos (formerly Kunitskaya) enters UFC Des Moines with a 15-8-1 record and a career that’s had both highs and lows. She debuted in the UFC back in 2018 with a title shot against Cris Cyborg but was stopped by TKO.
We then saw her rise from the ashes to become a big deal in the bantamweight division. But then, in the early 2020s, she took a break from fighting after marrying Thiago Santos and giving birth.
Her return in 2023 saw back-to-back losses to Holly Holm and Karol Rosa, but she bounced back with a much-needed win over Chelsea Chandler in mid-2024, which was her first in over four years.
Now ranked No. 10 in the UFC Women’s Bantamweight division, Santos is fighting to stay in the title conversation. At 36, time isn’t exactly on her side, and a loss on May 3 could mean the end of any championship aspirations.
Literally the same applies to her UFC Des Moines opponent, Miesha Tate. She’s a former UFC champion with a 20-9 record and legendary wins over names like Holly Holm, Jessica Eye, and Liz Carmouche.
READ ALSO: UFC Des Moines: Cory Sandhagen vs. Deiveson Figueiredo Preview, Odds, Prediction
Ranked 11th in the division, Tate is also in a must-win situation. She’s nearly 39, and another loss could mark the end of her title aspirations.
Yana Santos vs. Miesha Tate Prediction
Oddsmakers favor Tate, largely due to her well-rounded skill set and elite experience. Unlike Santos, who leans heavily on her striking, Tate adds strong grappling to the mix. The one red flag is ring rust – Tate hasn’t fought since 2023.
That kind of layoff can be tough to shake, especially against an opponent hungry to prove she still belongs among the best.
Free Pick:
- Yana Santos
MMA
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