Reinier de Ridder: A Veteran in MMA
Reinier de Ridder (20-2 MMA, 3-0 UFC) is a highly experienced competitor in combat sports. After capturing the ONE Middleweight (205 lbs) and Light Heavyweight (225 lbs) Championships, he has shifted his focus to the premier organization in MMA, the UFC.
Since transitioning from Chatri Sityodtong’s promotion to Dana White’s UFC, also known as RDR, has consistently progressed in his ambition to become a recognized great in the sport. From his promotional debut on November 9 of last year to the present, he has showcased an exceptional level of performance.
UFC Des Moines: A New Chapter
On Saturday night, during the UFC’s first event in Iowa in nearly 25 years, de Ridder faced Bo Nickal (7-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC), a 2022 Contender Series graduate, who had to compete twice in the Octagon before earning his UFC contract.
Leading up to UFC Des Moines, the matchup between RDR, ranked No. 13 in the middleweight division, and Bo Nickal had many believing it would be a significant challenge for Nickal in his early career. Fans tuning in to ESPN or streaming on ESPN+ witnessed an exciting co-main event.
Dominant Performance by Reinier de Ridder
Though advertised as a three-round contest, de Ridder ensured that the judges wouldn’t play a role in the outcome. In the first round, he clinched with Nickal and threatened a takedown, although Nickal managed to escape. A second clinch allowed de Ridder to land a knee before Nickal took him down; however, de Ridder reversed the position to attain the top mount.
By the conclusion of the first round, de Ridder had already amassed over three minutes of control time on the ground, hindering Nickal’s opportunities to gain any momentum.
Explosive Finish in Round Two
As the second round commenced, de Ridder intensified his approach, clinching again and scoring a knee to Nickal’s body. Throughout this round, he delivered a flurry of strikes, notably landing ten out of eleven knee strikes, with one particularly devastating blow that knocked Nickal out in just 1 minute and 53 seconds.
Recognition and Future Prospects
This victory marked de Ridder’s fourth consecutive win since departing from ONE Championship’s roster in 2024. As he continues to rise in the UFC, he is nearing the top 10 in the middleweight division.
Post-fight, de Ridder humorously expressed his time spent in the US on-air, affirming his Dutch roots and the effectiveness of his knees, which earned him additional recognition. He received a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus, marking his first bonus since joining the UFC late last year.
Looking Ahead
Reinier de Ridder’s flawless record in the UFC has been expected. With Bo Nickal’s defeat marking de Ridder’s growing reputation, he is set to face even tougher competition in upcoming fights. With two championship titles already under his belt, he is well-versed in high-stakes battles. Future opponents will undoubtedly need to study his past performances thoroughly to craft effective game plans, as de Ridder presents a formidable challenge.
