Bo Nickal is gearing up for an exhilarating fight against Reinier de Ridder at UFC Des Moines, confident that he has identified several key vulnerabilities in his opponent's game.

With an impressive record of 7-0, Nickal is not just looking to win; he's eyeing the middleweight title. A victory over the former ONE Championship champion would bring him one step closer to realizing that dream.

As a three-time NCAA Division One national wrestling champion, many expect Nickal to showcase his exceptional grappling skills. But after delivering a stunning knockout to Val Woodburn, Nickal has shown he’s not just a ground fighter—he's a complete package.

Spotting the Gaps

During media day, Nickal expressed deep respect for de Ridder's capabilities but confidently pointed out what he believes are flaws in his strategy.

"He’s very creative on the ground, showcasing high-level skills, and his judo black belt gives him an advantage in clinches," Nickal noted. "However, I see areas in his striking where he makes significant mistakes. His jab and straight left are decent, but they leave room for exploitation."

A Game Plan in Place

Nickal feels well-prepared with a solid game plan his team has developed. He stated, "I will look to capitalize on his weaknesses across the board—on the ground, in the clinch, and standing up. I’m ready to execute our strategy effectively."

Adversity Before the Fight

Despite his soaring confidence, the fighter has faced challenges in the lead-up to the event. Weight cutting is a notorious struggle in MMA, and Nickal's recent experience has been particularly intense—reportedly dropping an astounding 37 pounds in just one week to make weight.

As the fight approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating how Nickal plans to utilize his insights to conquer de Ridder and inch closer to a title shot. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the action is sure to be electrifying!