Reinier de Ridder delivered a stunning knockout victory over previously undefeated Bo Nickal on Saturday at UFC Des Moines. The second-round finish marked a significant upset in the mixed martial arts landscape.
De Ridder, a former two-division champion in ONE Championship, ended the fight at 1:53 of the second round. The finish came after he cornered Nickal against the cage and unleashed a barrage of strikes, culminating with a knee to the midsection that forced the referee stoppage.
Nickal entered the bout widely regarded as a top prospect in the sport. A highly decorated amateur wrestler, he achieved three NCAA Division I national championships before transitioning to MMA. Nickal had compiled a perfect 6-0 record, with early victories under the UFC umbrella on the promotion's Contender Series.
De Ridder, the 34-year-old Dutch Knight, improved his professional record to 20-2 with the win. He now holds a 3-0 record in the UFC, having previously secured finishes against Gerald Meerschaert and Kevin Holland.
Following the loss, reactions from other fighters began circulating online. Many noted the unexpected nature of the result and the experience difference between the two athletes.
The middleweight bout served as the co-main event for the UFC Des Moines fight card held at the Wells Fargo Arena.
Former UFC champion Henry Cejudo offered words of encouragement to Nickal via social media.
“The wrestling world has taken a hit today. Keep your head up this is not the end,” Cejudo posted. “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.”
