Two middleweights, Reinier de Ridder and Bo Nickal, faced off in a highly anticipated clash on Saturday night at UFC Des Moines. This bout took place on May 2, 2025, and served as the co-main event for the evening, showcasing two fighters on the rise in the UFC middleweight division. Both athletes aimed to secure their place among the elite, making this matchup crucial for their careers.
Reinier de Ridder, known for his grappling prowess, entered this fight with a professional record of 19 wins and 2 losses. He transitioned from ONE Championship to the UFC in 2024 and quickly made an impact. De Ridder, ranked 13th in the middleweight division, achieved back-to-back submission victories against Gerald Meerschaert and Kevin Holland before stepping into the octagon with Nickal. This fight marked a significant test for de Ridder as he aimed to extend his winning streak.
Bo Nickal, on the other hand, boasted an undefeated record of 7-0. Since officially joining the UFC in 2023, Nickal has steadily climbed the ranks, securing four consecutive wins. His recent victory came by decision against Paul Craig, showcasing his ability to compete with established fighters. This co-main event against de Ridder represented another opportunity for Nickal to prove himself against a ranked opponent.
As the first round began, both fighters engaged in grappling exchanges. Nickal immediately sought a takedown, but de Ridder’s size and strength allowed him to fend off the initial attempt. De Ridder then tried his own takedown, but Nickal quickly reversed the situation, demonstrating his skill and agility. Eventually, Nickal managed to take de Ridder down and attempted a guillotine choke. However, de Ridder capitalized on the situation, gaining top position before Nickal scrambled back to his feet just as the round came to a close.
The second round saw de Ridder taking an offensive approach early on, pushing Nickal against the fence and working in short strikes to the body. Despite Nickal's technical abilities and strength, de Ridder’s relentless pressure kept him on the defensive. In a pivotal moment, de Ridder landed a powerful knee strike to Nickal's body, which sent him crashing to the canvas and concluded the fight. The referee promptly waved off the contest, officially declaring de Ridder the winner by TKO at 1:53 of Round 2.
This victory not only adds to de Ridder’s record but also positions him favorably within the competitive middleweight division. His ability to defeat an undefeated prospect like Nickal speaks volumes about his skills and determination. As the UFC continues to grow, performances like this will be closely watched by fans and fighters alike, as the quest for a title shot intensifies.
The official result of the bout was Reinier de Ridder defeating Bo Nickal via TKO in the second round. This fight leaves fans excited about what the future holds for de Ridder as he chases a higher ranking in the UFC middleweight division.
