The UFC is reportedly engaged on reserving an thrilling middleweight matchup between rising star Bo Nickal (7-0) and former two-division ONE Championship titleholder Reinier de Ridder (19-2). Whereas the combat has not but been formally confirmed, agreements are reportedly in place, with solely the date and placement pending finalization. That is liekyl to be on the Might 3 UFC occasion in Iowa.
Bo Nickal vs. Reinier de Ridder
Nickal briefly entered the UFC middleweight rankings however was just lately ousted after Reinier de Ridder’s dominant first-round submission win towards Kevin Holland at UFC 311. This victory propelled de Ridder to #15 within the rankings, changing Nickal. For Nickal, this combat is a chance to reclaim his spot within the rankings and solidify his place as one of many UFC’s most promising prospects. A win over a ranked and extremely revered opponent like de Ridder would validate his potential.
De Ridder, a former two-division champion in ONE Championship, has shortly established himself within the UFC with a 2-0 document. ‘The Dutch Knight’ De Ridder goals to proceed his ascent within the middleweight division by defeating an undefeated fighter like Nickal.
Recognized for his distinctive submission expertise, Reinier de Ridder has transitioned easily into the UFC after a profitable stint in ONE Championship. Since becoming a member of the UFC in 2024, de Ridder has gone 2-0, together with his most up-to-date victory being a first-round submission win over Kevin Holland at UFC 311 in January 2025.
The US-born Bo Nickal has shortly climbed the ranks since his skilled debut in 2022, amassing a document of 7-0 with 4 wins by submission and two by knockout. Recognized for his elite wrestling pedigree, Nickal has showcased his skill to dominate opponents each on the bottom.
Bo Nickal boasts probably the most adorned NCAA wrestling careers in collegiate historical past. Competing for Penn State College, capturing three NCAA Division 1 crowns, compiling an distinctive document of 120 wins and simply 3 losses (120-3) throughout his collegiate profession. He misplaced the Olympic qualifying match to David Taylor who would finally seize gold that very same yr.
Together with his undefeated document, Bo Nickal seeks to show he can deal with seasoned and harmful opponents like de Ridder. In the meantime, de Ridder goals to point out that his grappling experience and expertise can overcome youthful fighters. With each fighters vying for recognition and a foothold within the rankings, this matchup is as a lot about profession trajectory as it’s about grappling supremacy.
