Bo Nickal Set to Face Reinier de Ridder in UFC Des Moines Co-Main Event

On May 3, 2025, UFC Fight Night in Des Moines, Iowa, will feature a compelling middleweight co-main event between Bo Nickal and Reinier de Ridder. Nickal, a three-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion, enters the bout with an unblemished 7-0 MMA record, showcasing a blend of wrestling prowess and evolving striking skills. He has expressed confidence in identifying and exploiting potential weaknesses in de Ridder's game.

De Ridder, known as "The Dutch Knight," brings a wealth of experience as a former two-division ONE Championship titleholder. Since transitioning to the UFC, he has secured two submission victories, reinforcing his reputation as a formidable grappler. De Ridder aims to leverage his submission skills to challenge Nickal's ground game.

Both fighters successfully made weight, with Nickal reportedly cutting 37 pounds to meet the 185-pound limit. The matchup is anticipated to be a strategic battle between Nickal's wrestling and de Ridder's submission expertise. The outcome could significantly influence the middleweight division's landscape.

UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo, headlined by a bantamweight clash between Cory Sandhagen and Deiveson Figueiredo, will be broadcast live on ESPN+ starting at 7 PM ET.

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