May 4, 2025 | UFC on ESPN 67 – Co-main Event | Start: 06:00 Berlin Time
At the upcoming UFC on ESPN 67, fans will witness a clash between a rising star and a seasoned veteran. Bo Nickal, still undefeated in his pro career, will face off against Reinier de Ridder — former two-division ONE champion and submission specialist. The big question: will Bo Nickal remain unbeaten, or will he taste defeat for the first time?
UFC. De Ridder vs. Nickal. Watch Boxing Online For Free On Our Website!
De Ridder: The Always-Dangerous Grappler
Although currently ranked just 13th in the UFC middleweight division, Reinier de Ridder has already proven his worth. Since joining the UFC, he’s finished notable opponents like Kevin Holland and Gerald Meerschaert, showing his ground game is still elite.
His weaknesses? Striking and cardio. Moving up to middleweight has slowed him down, and he’s become more hittable. Still, once he gets the fight to the mat, he’s a nightmare — 13 of his 19 wins have come by submission.
Bo Nickal: The New Wave Wrestler
Bo Nickal represents the new generation of elite wrestlers. Aggressive and relentless with takedowns, he has finished all three of his UFC fights early. However, his last bout against Paul Craig raised some concerns: fatigue and a lack of variety in his offense could be issues against a crafty and technical foe like de Ridder.
Nickal still looks shaky on the feet and doesn’t carry one-punch KO power. Yes, he dominates with top control, but Reinier isn’t the type to go quietly from the bottom.
Prediction: De Ridder vs Nickal
Bookmakers favor Bo Nickal, but this fight feels far from straightforward. If the fight drags into deeper waters, Nickal’s cardio could fade — giving De Ridder the perfect chance to impose his grappling and hunt for a submission.
On the flip side, if Bo dominates in the clinch and uses his physicality, De Ridder may find few openings. This one will come down to pace and control.
Prediction: Betting on "De Ridder to win or fight to end by submission" looks like a smart play. This could very well be the night Bo Nickal suffers his first career defeat.
