Bo Nickal’s first loss came in brutal fashion.
Matched up with the far more experienced Reinier de Ridder in the UFC Des Moines co-main event, Nickal looked completely outmatched as the former two-division ONE Champion titleholder outworked him in every phase of the game en-route to a second-round TKO victory.
De Ridder was grounded early on by the three-time NCAA wrestling champion, but utilized his slick grappling to turn the tables and end up in top position. With three times as many pro fights as Nickal heading into Saturday, de Ridder never looked rushed or panicked even as the powerful Nickal went to lock up with him. De Ridder continuously took risks, working his way out of trouble, and battering Nickal in the standup.
The end came when de Ridder went to the body, damaging Nickal with a hard knee up the middle and prompting referee Mike Beltran to step in for the stoppage.
Check out how the pros reacted to Nickal’s hype train being halted.
Bo still young in the game. Needed this humble pie
— Sergio Pettis (@sergiopettis) May 4, 2025
The wrestling world has taken a hit today. Keep your head up @NoBickal this is not the end. I got finished by Demetrious Johnson with a similar body shot and I went on to avenge that loss and become champion. You are capable of doing the same. Get back on your horse brother…
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) May 4, 2025
Nickal sucks
— Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) May 4, 2025
Well Bo’s comment about being the better striker didn’t age too well…
BUT he stepped up and competed with a very experienced veteran. And RDR was fearless!!! And it paid off HUGE!#UFCDesMoines— Corey ‘Overtime’ Anderson (@CoreyA_MMA) May 4, 2025
Omg comedy !
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) May 4, 2025
Let’s fucking go rdr with the kill called him by ko i was just telling my bro on the phone too crazy
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) May 4, 2025
Told yall he was silver back gorilla …. And let’s not forget Bo is a beast
— Kevin Holland (@Trailblaze2top) May 4, 2025
— Mairon “The Legend” Santos (@Maironsantoss) May 4, 2025
Nasty knees
— Billy Quarantillo (@BillyQMMA) May 4, 2025
