Leading up to their co-main event clash at UFC Des Moines, Reinier de Ridder was well aware of Bo Nickal`s impressive wrestling background. However, this didn`t deter him from testing the decorated three-time NCAA champion in all aspects of mixed martial arts.
Right from the opening bell, de Ridder repeatedly engaged in the clinch. In the first round, he executed a clever reversal, ending up in a dominant position over Nickal and seeking submissions. He kept Nickal constrained in similar grappling exchanges in the second round before finding an opportunity to land a series of damaging knees to the body.
Despite Nickal being highly praised as a potential future champion with arguably the sport`s top wrestling pedigree, de Ridder showed no hesitation in challenging his grappling prowess during their bout, a strategy that ultimately proved successful.
Speaking at the UFC Des Moines post-fight press conference, de Ridder remarked, “He might be considered a god of wrestling, but I believe in fighting, and in life, you should focus on your own strengths. Don`t let what your opponent brings distract you.”
He added, “It truly doesn`t matter. My jiu-jitsu, my judo, and my wrestling skills are strong enough for me to compete with anyone. Their specific strengths don`t concern me.”
Although he hadn`t reviewed the fight footage yet, de Ridder had a clear sense of how he turned the momentum, initially showcasing his grappling before catching Nickal off guard with his striking abilities.
By the fight`s conclusion, Nickal appeared visibly fatigued in his movements, a direct consequence of the sustained striking punishment de Ridder inflicted while standing.
Reflecting on his performance, de Ridder commented, “It went pretty well, didn`t it? I landed some effective strikes. In the clinch at one point, I created some space, used a whizzer to shift his hips, and landed a knee in the first round. In the second, I gained top control, but I was impressed by his defense off his back. It wasn`t simple to secure a dominant position immediately; his movement prevented me from posturing up easily. I briefly attempted a side choke, but the opening wasn`t there.”
Describing the finish, he continued, “I haven`t fully reviewed the knockout sequence, but I believe I threw a right hook followed by a left knee, connecting as he advanced. Each time I landed to the body, I noticed his guard dropping slightly and felt him shifting to his right as if hurt. Seeing he was hurt, I briefly withdrew, then stepped back in. He responded with a 1-2, which I thought wasn`t the smartest move. I then landed to the body again, I believe, and finished him, as I sensed he was already significantly compromised.”
Although widely recognized for his dominant submission game, de Ridder quickly highlighted his Dutch heritage, noting that the Netherlands is renowned for producing formidable strikers throughout combat sports history.
“I’m still Dutch,” de Ridder affirmed, adding, “That fighting spirit is still deep within me.”
Regarding his next move, de Ridder made his intentions clear immediately after the fight, calling out former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland, who has been inactive since his rematch loss to Dricus du Plessis in early 2024.
With Strickland currently unbooked, de Ridder is enthusiastic about the prospect of adding such a prominent name to his record, even anticipating some of Strickland`s characteristic verbal sparring.
“I might regret this call-out a bit later,” de Ridder quipped, referring to Strickland`s infamous trash talk. He reiterated his post-fight challenge, stating, “As I mentioned in the octagon, I just faced perhaps the best American wrestler; now let`s take on perhaps the best American striker.”
“I genuinely like Sean,” de Ridder remarked. “He`s entertaining, a genuine character, and a top-five fighter, correct? Stylistically, I believe it`s an intriguing pairing. He possesses an excellent jab, and I think mine is quite decent too. It`s a fight I would truly welcome and desire.”
