The co-main event of UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo on Saturday, May 3, 2025, features an intriguing middleweight clash between undefeated prospect Bo Nickal and submission specialist Reinier de Ridder. Taking place at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa, this Reinier de Ridder vs Bo Nickal bout pits two grappling experts with contrasting styles and upward career trajectories against each other.
Reinier de Ridder vs Bo Nickal Preview
Bo Nickal (7-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) enters this fight with a perfect record, showcasing his elite wrestling background. A three-time NCAA Division I national champion, Nickal has transitioned seamlessly into MMA, securing victories over Jamie Pickett, Val Woodburn, Cody Brundage, and Paul Craig. His most recent win, a unanimous decision over Craig at UFC 309, demonstrated his striking capabilities, although he notably avoided ground exchanges in that bout.
Reinier de Ridder (19-2 MMA, 2-0 UFC), known as “The Dutch Knight,” is a former two-division ONE Championship titleholder. Since joining the UFC, he has impressed with back-to-back submission victories over Gerald Meerschaert and Kevin Holland. De Ridder’s grappling credentials are formidable, with 13 of his 19 wins coming by submission. He aims to test Nickal’s ground game, expressing a desire to engage in grappling exchanges and challenge Nickal’s wrestling prowess.
Betting Insights
According to Sportzino, Bo Nickal is the favorite at -325, while Reinier de Ridder is the underdog at +250. These odds reflect Nickal’s undefeated record and wrestling pedigree, but de Ridder’s submission skills and experience could make this a closer contest than the odds suggest.
Before this fight takes place in Iowa, you can take advantage of our exclusive new player promo at Sportzino. Just click the Claim Bonus button below to get started, and don’t forget to find out more about Sportzino by reading our Sportzino sportsbook review.
Reinier de Ridder vs Bo Nickal Prediction
Over 2.5 Rounds (-106)
220K Gold Coins & 10 FREE Sweeps Coins
- We expect Nickal to go back to his wrestling and to control this fight from the ground.
- Both of these fighters possess enough toughness on the ground to keep this fight from ending early.
This matchup presents a situation where both fighters excel in grappling, but their approaches differ significantly. Nickal’s wrestling is top-tier, focusing on takedowns and control, while de Ridder’s jiu-jitsu emphasizes submissions and positional dominance.
Nickal’s reluctance to engage on the ground in his last fight against Paul Craig raises questions about his willingness to test de Ridder’s submission game. If Nickal chooses to keep the fight standing, he may have an advantage in striking, but de Ridder’s reach and unorthodox style could pose challenges.
De Ridder’s path to victory likely involves closing the distance, initiating clinches, and attempting to bring the fight to the ground. His confidence in his grappling could force Nickal into uncomfortable positions, potentially leading to submission opportunities.
Considering both fighters’ strengths and recent performances, this bout could go either way. However, Nickal’s athleticism, control, and ability to dictate the fight’s pace may give him the edge. If he can avoid de Ridder’s submission attempts and maintain top position, Nickal could secure a decision victory.
Prediction: Over 2.5 Rounds
