MMA Match Preview: DonTale Mayes (11-8 1 NC) vs. Thomas Petersen (9-3)
The heavyweight clash between Don’Tale Mayes and Thomas Petersen is set to take place on May 3, 2025, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa, as part of UFC on ESPN 67. This bout will be featured on the preliminary card, with the fighters expected to make their walk to the Octagon at approximately 7:20 p.m. ET / 4:20 p.m. PT.
Both fighters are looking to bounce back from recent losses, making this a high-stakes matchup in the heavyweight division.
Fighter Profiles
Don’Tale Mayes (11-8, 1 NC) – Jackson Wink MMA
Mayes has had an up-and-down UFC career, going 4-6 with one no contest since debuting in 2019. He suffered a submission loss to Valter Walker in February, getting caught in a heel hook just 77 seconds into the fight.
Key Strengths:
- Size & Reach Advantage – Standing 6’6” with an 81-inch reach, Mayes has a significant physical edge over Petersen.
- Knockout Power – Six of his wins have come via KO/TKO.
- Striking Ability – Mayes utilizes his jab and looping punches to keep opponents at bay.
Key Weaknesses:
- Grappling Defense – Has struggled against submission specialists.
- Inconsistent Performances – Lost four of his last six fights.
Thomas Petersen (9-3) – LFA Veteran
Petersen, a former LFA standout, has gone 1-2 in the UFC since earning his contract through Dana White’s Contender Series in 2023. He suffered a knockout loss to Shamil Gaziev in February, raising concerns about his striking defense.
Key Strengths:
- Wrestling & Takedowns – Petersen has a strong wrestling background and excels in ground control.
- High Striking Output – Lands 4.45 significant strikes per minute, making him the more active boxer.
- Pressure Fighting – Moves forward aggressively, cutting off opponents in the cage.
Key Weaknesses:
- Striking Defense – Has been vulnerable to knockout power.
- Octagon Experience – Still adjusting to UFC-level competition.
Fight Breakdown & Prediction
This matchup presents an interesting stylistic clash—Mayes will look to use his reach and power, while Petersen will likely push forward and engage in close-range exchanges.
Key Factors:
- Mayes’ Reach Advantage – If he can keep Petersen at a distance, he may control the fight with his jab.
- Petersen’s Wrestling – If Petersen can secure takedowns, he could neutralize Mayes’ striking.
- Durability & Cardio – Both fighters have struggled with consistency, making endurance a key factor.
FIGHT ODDS
DonTale Mayes + 230
Thomas Petersen – 285
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 2, 2025
