Reinier de Ridder showcased his skills during his match against Bo Nickal at UFC Des Moines, marking his third appearance in the promotion. Known as 'The Dutch Knight,' de Ridder secured a victory in the second round with a devastating body shot that left Nickal unable to continue. This impressive performance solidified de Ridder's reputation in the UFC, demonstrating that he can compete at a high level despite Nickal being an unranked opponent.
As a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, de Ridder entered the Octagon confident in his grappling abilities, believing he held a significant advantage over Nickal, a former NCAA Division 1 wrestling champion. Prior to the fight, de Ridder expressed his thoughts on Nickal's wrestling skills, stating, “This fight is going to be won or lost in the clinch. I wasn’t scared of his wrestling because I know once we hit the floor, every scramble is in my advantage because I can find that neck every time.” His strategic mindset paid off as he managed to control the fight and land effective strikes.
Despite the excitement surrounding de Ridder's victory, it is important to note that Nickal was not ranked, and de Ridder currently sits at No. 13 in the UFC middleweight division. However, that hasn’t deterred de Ridder from setting his sights high. In a post-fight interview with Michael Bisping, he called out Sean Strickland, the No. 2 ranked middleweight. De Ridder asserted, “I wanted to say this is the best American wrestling you have, right? Now, give you the best American striker. [Sean] Strickland, you’re up, buddy! Let’s go.” This bold challenge reflects de Ridder's ambition and desire to climb the ranks quickly.
Sean Strickland recently faced a tough loss to the reigning champion Dricus Du Plessis and may be looking for a new challenger. While it's uncertain if the UFC will grant de Ridder such a high-profile matchup immediately, several potential contenders could position him toward an eventual top-10 ranking. Fighters like Jared Cannonier, Roman Dolidze, and Marvin Vettori present strategic opportunities for de Ridder, allowing him to establish himself as a formidable force in the division.
As 'The Dutch Knight' continues to rise within the UFC, his performance at UFC Des Moines serves as a significant milestone in his career. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if de Ridder can capitalize on his victory over Nickal and secure a fight against a higher-ranked opponent. His sights are firmly set on making a statement in the middleweight division, and his willingness to challenge the top fighters demonstrates his determination and readiness to compete on the biggest stage.
With the UFC adoption of more international talent, de Ridder’s presence adds a fresh perspective to the middleweight ranks. His journey reflects the evolution of mixed martial arts, where grapplers and strikers alike seek to prove their dominance. As the UFC continues to expand its roster and fill its fight cards, keep an eye on Reinier de Ridder; his next move could be a game-changer in the competitive landscape of the middleweight division.
