Reinier De Ridder is gearing up for one of the most exciting matchups of the year, as he’s set to face rising star Bo Nickal on May 3rd, 2025, at UFC on ESPN+ 114!
While the two middleweights have very different backgrounds – De Ridder with world-class submissions and Nickal with elite wrestling – they’re both dominant forces on the ground, which could make for either a high-level grappling bout…
Or a striking-heavy chess match:
I think this fight is won or lost in the clinch.
This is where the most of the fight is going to happen & most of the exchanges of the fight will happen.
De Ridder studied Nickal’s most recent performance carefully – the first time Nickal didn’t secure a finish in his undefeated run:
It wasn’t that great to watch. But he showed off that his striking is not that bad.
He has pretty decent footwork as well. He hits pretty hard. He throws everything into that left overhand.
Even so, De Ridder saw something he thinks he can exploit:
I think I have to make him wrestle. As we saw in the Paul Craig fight, I think he’s pretty scared of the Jiu-Jitsu on the floor.
He’s pretty scared to get caught with something.
If Nickal doesn’t want to go into the grappling realm willingly, De Ridder plans to force the issue:
I need to get close, put the pressure on him, hit him a couple times, and I think he will definitely start shooting.
I’m really working on seeing if I can get him with some good knees, some good elbows.
Throwing him, tripping him, getting to his back. That’s the plan.
Build Sustainable Strength—Without Wrecking Your Joints, Energy, or Jiu-Jitsu
Tired of waking up sore and burnt out after lifting? Sloth Strength is a proven blueprint for grapplers over 35 who want to get stronger—without the pain, burnout, or injuries.
Developed from 25 years on the mats, this no-burnout approach is made specifically for BJJ athletes in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.
