In a stunning upset at UFC Des Moines, Reinier de Ridder handed Bo Nickal his first-ever loss in mixed martial arts, delivering a knockout at 1:53 of the second round. The fight, which took place on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa, showcased de Ridder's striking prowess and tactical acumen against the decorated wrestler.
De Ridder, a former two-division ONE Championship titleholder, entered the octagon with a record of 19-2, while Nickal boasted an impressive 7-0 slate before this bout. The stakes were high as both fighters aimed to solidify their standings in the middleweight division, but it was de Ridder who emerged victorious, improving his professional record to 20-2.
The fight began with both athletes trading blows, but it was clear early on that de Ridder intended to apply pressure. He effectively controlled the pace, landing 87.5 percent of his total strikes compared to Nickal’s 60 percent. Nickal, known for his wrestling, managed to execute a takedown in the first round, attempting to assert his grappling dominance. However, de Ridder demonstrated his grappling skills by reversing positions and ending the round with strikes that hinted at his striking superiority.
As the second round commenced, de Ridder maintained his aggressive approach, pushing Nickal against the cage. The turning point came when de Ridder delivered a knee strike to Nickal's body, which left the latter vulnerable. "I felt like every time I hit him to the body, I felt him dropping his hands a little bit," de Ridder remarked in a post-fight interview. "I saw he was hurt, and I got him out of there." This decisive knee struck Nickal in the midsection, causing him to crumple to the canvas, prompting referee Mike Beltran to call the fight.
Despite the loss, Nickal remains a notable figure in the UFC, having previously built a reputation as a formidable prospect with a background as a three-time NCAA Division I national champion. His journey to the UFC began with a successful run on Dana White’s Contender Series, and he had secured wins over seasoned fighters like Paul Craig before facing de Ridder.
After the fight, de Ridder expressed his desire to continue climbing the ranks, calling out former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland. "This was the best American wrestler? Let’s do the best American striker," he stated, signaling his intent to challenge for higher stakes in the division. With this victory, de Ridder has now achieved three consecutive finishes in the UFC, having previously stopped Gerald Meerschaert and Kevin Holland in his earlier bouts.
Nickal's first loss marks a significant moment in his career, as he had been heralded as a blue-chip prospect in the sport. His defeat serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of mixed martial arts, where even the most promising fighters can be toppled unexpectedly. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Nickal will respond to this setback and what adjustments he will make moving forward.
The fight itself was a tactical battle, with both fighters showcasing their skills. De Ridder's ability to adapt and find success in striking while defending against Nickal's wrestling was a testament to his experience and training. Nickal's performance, while falling short, still highlighted his potential in the octagon.
In the aftermath of the bout, social media buzzed with reactions from fellow fighters and fans. Henry Cejudo, a former champion, offered words of encouragement to Nickal, reminding him that setbacks are part of the journey in MMA. Others noted de Ridder's fearless approach and skill, praising him for his performance that night.
The UFC Des Moines event also featured other notable fights, but de Ridder's victory over Nickal stood out as the highlight of the evening. As the dust settles on this unexpected outcome, both fighters will undoubtedly use this experience to fuel their future endeavors in the octagon.
For de Ridder, the win not only solidifies his place in the middleweight rankings but also opens the door for high-profile matchups ahead. His callout of Strickland indicates a clear path toward title contention, and fans will be watching closely to see if that fight materializes. Nickal, on the other hand, will need to regroup and refine his skills, as he looks to bounce back from this defeat and continue his ascent in the competitive middleweight landscape.
