A major middleweight clash is set for UFC Fight Night in Des Moines, Iowa, on May 3, as Bo Nickal faces Reinier de Ridder in a battle that could shake up the rankings. Nickal, one of the UFC’s fastest-rising prospects, is stepping up to face a seasoned opponent in de Ridder, a former two-division ONE Championship titleholder.
Bo Nickal vs Reinier de Ridder will be a classic battle between elite wrestling and submission grappling, with both fighters bringing impressive credentials and momentum into the cage.
Bo Nickal’s Rapid Rise Through the UFC Ranks
Bo Nickal has been one of the most talked-about prospects in MMA since making his professional debut. The three-time NCAA Division I national champion transitioned to MMA with high expectations, and so far, he has lived up to the hype.
- Professional Record: 7-0 (4-0 UFC)
- Finishing Rate: 6 out of 7 wins by stoppage
Bo Nickal’s biggest weapon is his elite wrestling. A three-time NCAA Division I national champion, he has built his MMA success around relentless takedowns, heavy top control, and overwhelming pressure. His ability to dictate where the fight takes place has made him nearly impossible to stop so far in his career. In addition to his grappling, Nickal has shown improving striking, with a knockout victory over Val Woodburn proving that he is becoming a well-rounded threat. If he can blend his striking with his dominant wrestling, he will be difficult to handle.
Now, he takes on his first ranked opponent in Reinier de Ridder, a test that will reveal how ready he is for the UFC’s elite middleweights.
Reinier de Ridder’s Path to UFC Success
Reinier de Ridder is no stranger to championship-level competition. The 34-year-old Dutch fighter was one of the biggest names in ONE Championship, holding both the middleweight and light heavyweight titles before losing them in 2023.
- Professional Record: 19-2 (2-0 UFC)
- Finishing Rate: 16 out of 19 wins by stoppage
Reinier de Ridder, on the other hand, is a submission specialist with world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. With 14 of his 19 wins coming by submission, he thrives when the fight hits the mat. Unlike most strikers who struggle against high-level wrestlers, de Ridder welcomes grappling exchanges because he is confident in his ability to trap opponents in submissions from any position. His length and control make him a nightmare in scrambles, and if Nickal isn’t careful, he could find himself in deep trouble on the ground.
With both fighters having so much to gain—and just as much to lose—this fight is one of the most intriguing matchups of UFC Des Moines. The result will determine which fighter takes a major step forward in their career, and which one will have to regroup and rebuild their momentum.
