Two middleweights headed towards the top of the UFC middleweight division clashed at UFC Des Moines as Reinier de Ridder and Bo Nickal took the co-main spot on Saturday night.
De Ridder (19-2) made his way from ONE Championship to the UFC in 2024. He put together two submission victories in a row against Gerald Meerschaert and Kevin Holland respectively and earned a ranking next to his name. The 13th ranked middleweight put it on the line against the undefeated Nickal in Iowa.
Nickal (7-0) has been built up slowly instead of being thrown to the wolves near the top of the division. Since entering the UFC officially in 2023 he’s won 4-in-a-row with his last one a decision victory over Paul Craig.
Round 1 as we figured both men got right into the grappling with Nickal looking for the takedown early. RDR used his strength and frame to stay on his feet and was able to stuff the first one. RDR then decided to shoot one of his own, but was reversed quickly.
Nickal finally got RDR down, and during the exchange jumped the guillotine, but RDR used the attempt to get top position and start playing his top game. Nickal scrambled to his feet and ate a shot as the round ended.
Round 2 RDR took the offensive in the grappling early putting Nickal on the fence and looking to land short shots to the body. Nickal used his technique and strength to get off the fence, and almost got RDR down himself.
RDR made this ugly and started to let loose on Nickal on the fence. A big knee to the body crumpled Nickal to the ground and ended the fight.
Official Result: Reinier de Ridder def. Bo Nickal via R2 TKO, 1:53
