This is a fascinating stylistic clash between two decorated grapplers in the middleweight division. Reinier de Ridder, the lanky, submission-savvy former ONE two-division champion, faces Bo Nickal, the undefeated NCAA wrestling phenom rapidly rising through the UFC ranks. It’s a true test of grappling pedigree: de Ridder’s elite jiu-jitsu and experience against top competition meets Nickal’s raw athleticism, control, and explosive wrestling base. Both fighters are looking to break into the top 10 in what promises to be a high-stakes ground battle.

The co-main event fight between Reinier de Ridder and Bo Nickal is a pivotal showdown in the UFC’s evolving middleweight landscape. De Ridder, currently ranked #13, is a rangy 6'4" grappling specialist with a 78-inch reach and a 19–2 professional record. With 13 wins by submission, his game revolves around aggressive positional grappling, slick transitions, and unorthodox setups—often from the back or triangle positions. After making a successful jump from ONE Championship to the UFC, de Ridder has quickly established himself as a dangerous player in the division with back-to-back submission wins.

Bo Nickal enters the Octagon with a spotless 7–0 record and a sky-high ceiling. A three-time NCAA champion and U23 world freestyle gold medalist, Nickal is redefining how elite wrestling can dominate in modern MMA. His ability to chain takedowns, secure dominant positions, and hunt for quick finishes has made him one of the most hyped prospects in UFC history. At 6'1" with a 76-inch reach, he may give up some size, but his explosive athleticism and relentless pressure more than make up for it.

This fight boils down to whether de Ridder can catch Nickal in a submission during a scramble or off his back—or if Nickal’s positional control and pressure wrestling can neutralize the Dutchman’s offense. Expect grappling exchanges at the highest level, with every position having fight-ending potential.

Reinier de Ridder – Last 5 Fights

1. ✅ Win vs. Kevin Holland – Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) – UFC 311, Jan 18, 2025
2. ✅ Win vs. Gerald Meerschaert – Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) – UFC Fight Night, Nov 9, 2024
3. ✅ Win vs. Magomedmurad Khasaev – TKO (Punches) – UAE Warriors 51, Jul 27, 2024
4. ❌ Loss vs. Anatoly Malykhin – TKO (Retirement) – ONE 166, Mar 1, 2024
5. ❌ Loss vs. Anatoly Malykhin – KO (Punches) – ONE on Prime Video 5, Dec 3, 2022

Bo Nickal – Last 5 Fights

1. ✅ Win vs. Paul Craig – Unanimous Decision – UFC 309, Nov 16, 2024
2. ✅ Win vs. Cody Brundage – Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) – UFC 300, Apr 13, 2024
3. ✅ Win vs. Val Woodburn – TKO (Punches) – UFC 290, Jul 8, 2023
4. ✅ Win vs. Jamie Pickett – Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) – UFC 285, Mar 4, 2023
5. ✅ Win vs. Donovan Beard – Submission (Triangle Choke) – DWCS 56, Sep 27, 2022

Prediction

Bo Nickal def. Reinier de Ridder via TKO (Ground and Pound), Round 2
Nickal’s pressure and top control could stifle de Ridder’s submission game before overwhelming him with strikes.