Bo Nickal vs. Reinier de Ridder: Odds, full fight preview and prediction | UFC Des Moines

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Middleweight standouts Bo Nickal vs. Reinier de Ridder will collide this weekend (Sat., May 2, 2025) inside Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa at UFC Des Moines.

Nickal is the absolute best prospect in the sport that nobody is that excited about anymore. One of the most decorated wrestlers to ever step into the Octagon, Nickal ran through his early opposition and talked a huge game. Since then, he’s continued to win, but as the competition level has risen, he’s not looking all that exceptional anymore. Perhaps expectations were unreasonably high, but then, Nickal encourages that kind of talk.

Conversely, de Ridder has a ton more experience as a former One double champ. Since defecting to the UFC, “The Dutch Knight” has won two bouts via submission to establish himself as a legitimate force at 185-pounds. His own ceiling is yet to be established, but he could really grow his star with a win here.

Let’s take a closer look at the betting odds and strategic keys for each athlete:

Nickal vs. de Ridder Betting Odds

• Bo Nickal victory: -340
• Bo Nickal via TKO/KO/DQ: +140
• Bo Nickal via submission: +500
• Bo Nickal via decision: +215
• Reinier de Ridder victory: +270
• Reinier de Ridder via TKO/KO/DQ: +1200
• Reinier de Ridder via submission: +750
• Reinier de Ridder via decision: +700
• Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

How Nickal Wins

For the second time in a row, Nickal — the world class wrestler — is faced with an expert jiu-jitsu player. Last time, he opted to stand-and-trade with Paul Craig rather than risk getting tapped out, and he’ll face the same decision.

Striking might not be the best call here.

“RDR” isn’t a pretty striker, but he’s a dangerous one. Nickal is likely going to have to wrestle to avoid taking big shots, so he might as well do it proactively. His left hand should be enough to at least keep de Ridder honest and help him set up his own takedowns.

The simple fact of modern MMA is that it’s not that hard to avoid submissions from top position. If Nickal sets up his initial shot carefully, then he should be able to navigate the waters of de Ridder’s guard. It’s a simple matter of maintaining posture and following the hips, which should be a manageable task for the blue chip prospect.

Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC

How de Ridder Wins

“RDR” is certainly a fun fighter if nothing else. He’s an aggressive and lanky striker with little mind for defense, but he really shines on the canvas. His transitions and submission skills are excellent, as he’s secured 13 of his previous fights via tapout.

Aggression is de Ridder’s friend here. He doesn’t want a slow-paced, tit-for-tat striking match against a younger athlete. He also doesn’t want to be stuck in full guard for an extended period of time beneath a world-class wrestler. Neither of those are recipes for success.

How about a little chaos? De Ridder can crack and has a solid jaw. He’s comfortable in a scrap, which means he can take advantage of Nickal’s inexperience. The best way to do so is put him on his back foot and put numbers in his face. Nickal isn’t used to being bullied, and that’s exactly the situation that could see him dive into a strangle.

Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC

Nickal vs. de Ridder Prediction

I want to pick Reinier de Ridder. The striking is ugly all-around, but at least the lanky Dutchman is comfortable throwing down. Nickal still isn’t, and that could be his downfall. It’s easy to envision an aggressive de Ridder stunning Nickal and catching him with a quick guillotine.

I just don’t think I can do it! Nickal is five years younger and wildly more athletic. He trains with one of the best camps in the world. It should take a bonafide Top 10 Middleweight to stop the Nickal train even at this stage of the game, and I’m unconvinced that de Ridder is that guy.

Prediction: Nickal via decision