On Saturday, May 3, 2025, UFC Fight Night in Des Moines, Iowa, features a Cameron Smotherman vs Serhiy Sidey bout in the bantamweight division. Both fighters are emerging talents in the 135-pound division, aiming to solidify their positions within the UFC ranks after getting a win in their last fights.
Cameron Smotherman vs Serhiy Sidey Preview
Cameron Smotherman (12-4-0) enters the octagon riding a four-fight winning streak, including a unanimous decision victory over Jake Hadley in his UFC debut in October 2024. Smotherman accepted the fight on short notice, stepping in for Brady Hiestand, and managed to outpoint Hadley despite being a significant underdog. His performance showcased his striking prowess and ability to adapt under pressure.
Serhiy Sidey (11-2-0) is 1-1 in the UFC, having secured a split-decision win over Garrett Armfield in November 2024. Prior to that, Sidey earned his UFC contract with a knockout victory over Ramon Taveras on Dana White’s Contender Series in September 2023. However, he suffered a split-decision loss to Taveras in their rematch at UFC 297 in January 2024. Sidey is known for his striking accuracy and grappling skills, making him a versatile threat in the bantamweight division.
Physically, Sidey holds a slight advantage with a height of 5’11” and a reach of 72 inches, compared to Smotherman’s 5’9″ height and 69-inch reach. Both fighters will attempt to come in at the bantamweight limit of 135 pounds for this bout.
Betting Insights
As of now, betting odds from Sportzino have Sidey as a -140 favorite going into this fight. On the other side, Smotherman is at +114.
Based on recent performances and records, the fight is expected to be closely contested. Smotherman’s recent victory over a favored opponent and his current winning streak make him a threat as an underdog. Sidey’s knockout power and technical skills could attract bettors as well.
Key statistics to consider:
- Smotherman: 12 wins (6 by KO/TKO, 1 by submission, 5 by decision), 4 losses
- Sidey: 11 wins (7 by KO/TKO, 1 by submission, 3 by decision), 2 losses
Smotherman’s ability to go the distance and secure decision victories demonstrates his endurance and strategic approach. Sidey’s higher knockout rate indicates his potential to end fights early, which could be a decisive factor in this matchup.
Cameron Smotherman vs Serhiy Sidey Prediction
Over 2.5 Rounds (-175)
220K Gold Coins & 10 FREE Sweeps Coins
- Sidey has seen his first two UFC fights go to the judges.
- Smotherman’s lone UFC fight was also settled via decision.
This bantamweight clash presents an intriguing battle between Smotherman’s resilience and Sidey’s finishing capabilities. Smotherman’s recent performances suggest he can handle pressure and adapt to challenging situations, as evidenced by his short-notice win over Hadley. His striking accuracy and defensive skills could neutralize Sidey’s offensive threats.
Sidey, while possessing significant power and a well-rounded skill set, has shown vulnerability in close contests, as seen in his split-decision loss to Taveras. To secure a victory, Sidey would need to assert his dominance early and capitalize on any openings presented by Smotherman.
Considering the fighters’ recent trajectories and skill sets, the prediction leans toward Smotherman securing a victory, potentially by decision. His ability to control the pace and distance of the fight may allow him to outpoint Sidey over three rounds.
Prediction: Over 2.5 Rounds
