Bo Nickal experienced his first professional mixed martial arts defeat in a decisive and impactful manner.
Competing against the significantly more veteran fighter, Reinier de Ridder, in the co-main event bout at UFC Des Moines, Nickal appeared outmatched. De Ridder, a former two-division champion in ONE Championship, controlled and outworked Nickal across every facet of the fight, culminating in a technical knockout victory for de Ridder in the second round.
Although Nickal, a three-time NCAA wrestling champion, managed to secure an early takedown, de Ridder expertly utilized his advanced grappling skills to reverse the position and establish top control. Possessing a substantial advantage in professional fight experience heading into the contest, de Ridder maintained his composure throughout the match, never seeming rattled even when Nickal attempted to utilize his powerful wrestling. De Ridder consistently took calculated risks, successfully navigating away from trouble, and effectively landed strikes against Nickal during stand-up exchanges.
The conclusion of the fight arrived when de Ridder targeted the body, landing a forceful knee up the middle that visibly hurt Nickal and prompted referee Mike Beltran to intervene and stop the contest.
Following the fight, members of the professional fighting community shared their thoughts and reactions regarding the stoppage of Nickal`s rapid ascent and undefeated record.
