In a thrilling co-main event at UFC Des Moines, Reinier de Ridder delivered a stunning performance, defeating Bo Nickal via TKO in the second round. The fight showcased de Ridder's striking prowess and grappling skills, marking a significant milestone in his UFC career.
Bo Nickal, a rising star in the middleweight division, entered the Octagon with an impressive record of 7-1, looking to maintain his unbeaten streak after a unanimous decision victory over veteran Paul Craig at UFC 309 in November 2024. Nickal, known for his wrestling background as a three-time NCAA Division I champion, aimed to extend his winning ways against de Ridder, who was riding a wave of momentum with a record of 20-2.
De Ridder, a former two-division champion in ONE Championship, had previously secured two submission victories in the UFC, showcasing his grappling skills with wins over Gerald Meerschaert and Kevin Holland. With a current ranking of No. 13 in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings, de Ridder was eager to make a statement against Nickal.
The fight began with both competitors exchanging strikes, but it quickly became evident that de Ridder was not intimidated by Nickal's wrestling prowess. In the opening round, de Ridder engaged Nickal in the clinch, demonstrating his ability to hold his own on the ground. As the round progressed, Nickal attempted to assert his dominance, landing some effective strikes and securing a takedown. However, de Ridder's resilience shone through as he scrambled to regain top position.
According to MMAWeekly, the first round was scored 10-9 in favor of Nickal, but the tide would soon turn. As the second round commenced, de Ridder began to implement his striking game, landing a series of uppercuts that visibly affected Nickal. The turning point came when de Ridder executed a powerful knee strike to Nickal's body, dropping him to the canvas.
The referee stepped in to halt the action at 1:53 of the second round, marking the end of Nickal's unbeaten streak and handing him his first career loss. The victory was a defining moment for de Ridder, solidifying his status as a formidable contender in the middleweight division.
Post-fight reactions poured in from the MMA community, with notable figures weighing in on de Ridder's impressive performance. Kevin Holland, who previously faced de Ridder, tweeted, "Told y'all he was a silverback gorilla. And let’s not forget Bo is a beast." Meanwhile, Luke Rockhold expressed his disappointment in Nickal's performance, stating simply, "Nickal sucks."
Corey Anderson praised de Ridder's fearless approach, noting, "Well Bo's comment about being the better striker didn't age too well… BUT he stepped up and competed with a very experienced veteran. And RDR was fearless!!! And it paid off HUGE!"
Henry Cejudo, a former champion in multiple weight classes, offered words of encouragement to Nickal, saying, "The wrestling world has taken a hit today. Keep your head up @NoBickal, this is not the end. I got finished by Demetrious Johnson with a similar body shot and I went on to avenge that loss and become champion. You are capable of doing the same. Get back on your horse, brother…"
As de Ridder celebrated his victory, fans and analysts began speculating about his next opponent. With his recent success, de Ridder has positioned himself as a serious contender in the middleweight division, and many are eager to see who he will face next.
This fight not only showcased de Ridder's striking ability but also highlighted the unpredictability of MMA, where a single strike can change the course of a match. Nickal's journey in the UFC is far from over, and he will undoubtedly learn from this experience as he looks to bounce back stronger than ever.
UFC Des Moines was a memorable night for fans, featuring intense matchups and thrilling finishes. Reinier de Ridder's TKO victory over Bo Nickal serves as a reminder of the excitement and unpredictability that mixed martial arts brings to the sporting world.
