In a stunning turn of events at UFC Des Moines, Bo Nickal, once a rising star with an impeccable record, faced the bitter taste of defeat for the very first time.

This Saturday, Nickal stepped into the cage eager to showcase his skills beyond wrestling against experienced fighter Reinier De Ridder. Yet, a week before the match, he raised alarm among fans by revealing struggles with weight, hinting at a challenging cut. Thankfully, he successfully made weight just in time, fueling expectations for a thrilling showdown.

Fight Recap: A Rollercoaster of Action

As the match commenced, De Ridder wasted no time, pressing forward and forcing Nickal into a defensive stance. However, Nickal quickly turned the tide, demonstrating his grappling prowess by controlling De Ridder against the cage.

Midway through the first round, Nickal scored an impressive takedown, raining down strikes on his opponent. He attempted to secure a guillotine choke, but De Ridder showcased his resilience by reversing the situation and ending up on top, landing some effective strikes as the round concluded.

In the second round, the momentum shifted as De Ridder kept the pressure on, pushing Nickal against the cage. Despite Nickal's attempts to evade, De Ridder landed a powerful knee strike squarely to the body. The impact sent Nickal crashing to the mat, marking a shocking finish to the fight.

What’s Next for De Ridder?

This decisive victory not only marks the end of Nickal’s unbeaten streak but also propels De Ridder closer to the top of the middleweight division. He is now eyeing a bout with former champion Sean Strickland, eager to test his skills against one of the best strikers in the sport.

With this unexpected upset, the stakes are higher than ever for De Ridder, who is now just a few victories away from title contention. As for Nickal, this experience serves as a crucial stepping stone in his career, revealing the unpredictable nature of MMA.