UFC Des Moines: Bo Nickal Faces Off Against Stiffest Test Reinier de Ridder

The MMA fans have been ecstatic since hearing that Bo Nickal, one of the sport’s most promising young talents, prepares to face his toughest challenge yet. Nickal, a decorated wrestler turned MMA fighter, will take on former ONE Championship champion Reinier de Ridder in a highly anticipated middleweight bout at the UFC Fight Night event on May 3 at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa. This matchup marks a significant step up for Nickal, as he faces ranked competition for the first time in his burgeoning UFC career.

🚨 Bo Nickal vs. Reinier de Ridder is set for UFC Des Moines on May 3rd, per @ufc. pic.twitter.com/QVmhZ4F6c9

— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) March 13, 2025

Bo Nickal, with an undefeated record of 7-0 in MMA and 4-0 in the UFC, has been making waves in the middleweight division. His transition from collegiate wrestling to MMA has been nothing short of remarkable. Nickal won the prestigious Dan Hodge Trophy in 2019, recognizing him as the best collegiate wrestler in the United States. His entry into MMA was highly anticipated, and he quickly lived up to expectations with impressive wins on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2023. Since joining the UFC, Nickal has finished fights against Jamie Pickett, Val Woodburn, and Cody Brundage, showcasing his formidable grappling skills and knockout power.

However, Nickal’s most recent bout against Paul Craig at UFC 300 was met with some criticism from fans due to its low entertainment value. Despite winning the fight convincingly, Nickal’s performance highlighted the need for more dynamic and engaging fights as he moves up the divisional ladder. His upcoming bout against Reinier de Ridder presents an opportunity to silence critics and prove his ability to deliver exciting performances against top-tier opponents.

The Challenge of Reinier de Ridder

Reinier de Ridder, a former champion in ONE Championship, brings a wealth of experience and skill to the table. With a record of 19-2 in MMA and 2-0 in the UFC, de Ridder has established himself as a formidable force in the middleweight division. His achievements in ONE Championship, where he held both light heavyweight and heavyweight titles, are a testament to his versatility and dominance. After losing both titles to Anatoly Malykhin, de Ridder left ONE Championship citing inactivity and mistreatment. He then signed with the UFC in 2024 and has since secured back-to-back submission victories over Gerald Meerschaert and Kevin Holland.

Reinier de Ridder submits Kevin Holland in Round 1 😤 #UFC311 pic.twitter.com/fIvSTRJ0ge

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) January 19, 2025

De Ridder’s grappling skills and submission prowess make him a dangerous opponent for Nickal. The Dutch fighter’s ability to finish fights with submissions will undoubtedly pose a significant challenge to Nickal, who has primarily relied on his wrestling background to control and finish fights. This bout will be a true test of Nickal’s well-roundedness as a fighter and his ability to adapt to different styles and opponents.

Can Bo Nickal get past Reinier de Ridder?

As the fight approaches, both Nickal and de Ridder will be focused on preparing for what promises to be an intense and strategic contest. For Nickal, this bout is not just about winning; it’s about proving himself against ranked competition and demonstrating that he belongs among the top fighters in the middleweight division. A victory over de Ridder would catapult Nickal into the top 10 rankings and set him up for even bigger challenges in the future.

The UFC Fight Night event on May 3 will be an exciting showcase of talent, with the Nickal vs. de Ridder bout being one of the main attractions. As the MMA world continues to evolve, fights like this remind us of the excitement and unpredictability that make the sport so captivating. Whether you’re a fan of Nickal’s wrestling prowess or de Ridder’s submission expertise, this matchup is sure to deliver on its promise of high-stakes action and drama. The stage is set for what could be one of the most compelling fights of the year, and fans will be eagerly watching to see how these two talented fighters perform under the bright lights of the UFC.