UFC Des Moines Prediction: Can Tate Upset Santos?

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Post on May 04, 2025

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UFC Des Moines Prediction: Can Tate Upset Santos?

The UFC heads to Des Moines, Iowa, this weekend for a fight night brimming with potential upsets. One bout in particular has caught the attention of fight fans and analysts alike: Ketlen Vieira vs. Raquel Santos. While Santos is the favorite, many believe Vieira possesses the tools to pull off a significant upset. But is it truly possible? Let's delve into a detailed prediction, analyzing both fighters' strengths and weaknesses.

Ketlen Vieira: The Underrated Challenger

Vieira (13-3), a Brazilian powerhouse, boasts a well-rounded game. Her grappling is arguably her strongest asset; she’s a skilled wrestler with excellent takedown defense and a dangerous ground game. Vieira is relentless in her pursuit of takedowns, often wearing down opponents with relentless pressure and punishing ground-and-pound. While her striking isn’t as flashy as some of her opponents, it’s effective, particularly her precise jabs and well-timed knees.

• Strengths: Exceptional grappling, strong takedown defense, relentless pressure, effective ground-and-pound.
• Weaknesses: Can be susceptible to powerful strikers if takedowns are negated, striking lacks explosiveness.

Raquel Santos: The Favored Striker

Santos (12-1), also Brazilian, presents a stark contrast in style. She’s a powerful striker with devastating knockout power. Her boxing is crisp and accurate, utilizing a variety of combinations to keep opponents at bay. While her grappling isn't as refined as Vieira's, she possesses adequate takedown defense and enough grappling skills to avoid being completely dominated on the ground.

• Strengths: Devastating striking power, crisp boxing, good takedown defense.
• Weaknesses: Grappling could be exploited by a skilled wrestler like Vieira, susceptible to prolonged grappling exchanges.

The Prediction: A Grappling Battle for Dominance

This fight hinges on Vieira's ability to control the pace and dictate the location of the fight. If she can successfully take Santos down and maintain control on the ground, she has a high probability of winning via decision or even submission. Santos’s best chance lies in keeping the fight standing and landing her powerful strikes. However, Vieira’s takedown defense is strong enough to make this a difficult task.

The key factor will be the early exchanges. If Vieira secures an early takedown and establishes her ground game, she'll likely control the fight and secure a victory. If Santos can stuff those early takedown attempts and keep the fight upright, her striking power could prove decisive.

Our Prediction: While Santos is the favorite, we lean towards Ketlen Vieira winning via unanimous decision. Her superior grappling and relentless pressure will likely wear down Santos over three rounds, preventing the Brazilian striker from unleashing her full power. This is a close fight, however, and an upset is certainly not out of the question.

UFC Des Moines: Beyond the Main Event

While the Vieira vs. Santos fight is a highlight, UFC Des Moines offers a compelling card overall. Be sure to tune in to witness the action and potential upsets from other exciting matchups! Keep an eye out for updates and analysis leading up to the event. Who do you think will win? Let us know in the comments below!