Reinier de Ridder is proud to be a mixed martial artist, but his grappling expertise is undeniable.
With 13 submissions out of 19 wins, the former ONE Championship two-division titleholder has already secured two submissions since joining the UFC. His next fight at UFC Des Moines on May 3 is against Bo Nickal, a highly-regarded wrestling prospect.
While Nickal is known for his wrestling, he received criticism for avoiding takedowns in his recent fight against Paul Craig, which was mostly a striking battle.
De Ridder commented on Nickal’s last performance, saying it “wasn’t that great to watch.” He acknowledged Nickal`s improved striking, including footwork and power in his left hand, but felt Nickal didn`t make a strong statement. De Ridder considered it might have been an off night for Nickal.
Despite being confident in his own striking, de Ridder understands that grappling is the core of this matchup.
This fight sets up a clash between a top submission fighter and a world-class wrestler. Based on Nickal`s reluctance to grapple with Craig, de Ridder anticipates needing to initiate the grappling exchanges.
“I think I have to make him wrestle,” de Ridder stated, suggesting Nickal seemed “pretty scared of the jiu-jitsu on the floor” in the Craig fight and hesitant to get submitted. De Ridder believes he needs to force the wrestling.
De Ridder’s strategy involves closing the distance, applying pressure, and landing some strikes to encourage Nickal to shoot for takedowns. He expects the clinch to be crucial, focusing on knees, elbows, throws, and back takes. This is his fight plan.
Often, high-level grappler matchups in the UFC become striking fights as both fighters are wary of grappling risks.
While comfortable striking with Nickal, de Ridder believes fans and the UFC are more interested in a grappling contest.
“Who wants to see us strike?” de Ridder joked, referencing a less exciting striking-heavy fight between grapplers Demian Maia and Ben Askren. He emphasized the desire for grappling action in this fight.
De Ridder is prepared for all aspects of the fight but is ready to force grappling if Nickal avoids it. He highlighted his judo background and willingness to take Nickal down and throw him.
“I think [I can take him down]. I think I’ll have a shot at that as well,” de Ridder said, mentioning his training with high-level wrestlers in Florida. He feels confident in upper body grappling techniques.
He mentioned his ability to take down Kevin Holland and his preference for judo throws.
De Ridder, currently ranked in the middleweight top 15, sees this fight as a bigger risk for himself than for the unranked Nickal.
Although hoping for a top-five opponent like Khamzat Chimaev, de Ridder recognizes Nickal`s significant name recognition.
“I really wanted a top five guy but now Bo Nickal is at least a top five name, right?” de Ridder acknowledged. He believes defeating Nickal will significantly boost his ranking and profile.
“I’m very happy with the matchup, and stylistically, it’s going to be fun, too. It’s going to be cool to see who has the better grappling,” he added, looking forward to the grappling challenge.
De Ridder believes a victory over Nickal on May 3 will greatly improve his position in the middleweight division.
With the top of the division tied up with fights like Dricus de Plessis vs. Chimaev and Nassourdine Imavov potentially waiting, de Ridder sees an opportunity to climb the ranks.
“A lot of the guys at the top have already fought each other,” de Ridder noted. He believes a dominant, early finish by submission against Nickal would make a strong statement.
