Bo Nickal, a top UFC middleweight prospect, suffered his first professional defeat on May 3, 2025, against Reinier de Ridder in the co-main event of UFC Des Moines at Wells Fargo Arena in Iowa. The former NCAA wrestling champion, previously 7-0, was stopped in the second round by a knee to the body. Despite this setback, Nickal remains focused on recovery. On May 4, 2025, he posted on Instagram, sharing his determination to return stronger in his first statement since the fight.
The Fight
Nickal entered UFC Des Moines as a favorite, known for his wrestling and six finishes in seven bouts. De Ridder, a former ONE Championship titleholder with a 19-2 record, proved a tough opponent. The Dutch fighter controlled clinch exchanges and landed a crushing knee to Nickal’s midsection in round two at 1 minute 53 seconds. Referee Mike Beltran halted the contest, giving de Ridder a $50000 performance bonus.
Nickal’s Response
On Instagram, Nickal wrote:
“Grateful for the highs and lows. I’ll be back.”
His brief message shows resilience, accepting the defeat while eyeing a comeback. The 29-year-old had previously finished opponents like Jamie Pickett and Val Woodburn, earning a decision victory over Paul Craig at UFC 309 in November 2024.
Fellow fighters had varied takes. Henry Cejudo supported Nickal, urging him to keep pushing after the body-shot loss. Dillon Danis criticized Nickal’s effort, claiming he crumbled under pressure. American Top Team, Nickal’s gym, backed his return. Fans debated the outcome, viewing it as a learning experience for the prospect.
Nickal’s defeat, now leaving him at 7-1 with a 4-1 UFC record, shifts his path in the middleweight division. His weight cut from 222.6 pounds to 186 pounds was notable, prompting some to suggest a welterweight move. De Ridder, now 20-2, called out Sean Strickland after the win. Nickal’s wrestling and finishing ability keep him a contender, with his next fight crucial for his title aspirations.
Nickal’s loss was a major upset in 2025, impacting the middleweight division. His resolve to return highlights his mental strength. As UFC Des Moines showed, with Cory Sandhagen’s main event triumph over Deiveson Figueiredo, MMA remains unpredictable, and Nickal’s comeback will draw attention.
