Reinier De Ridder Stops Bo Nickal in Second Round at UFC 323
LAS VEGAS, NV – Reinier De Ridder delivered a stunning second-round knockout of Bo Nickal at UFC 323 on Saturday, showcasing a calculated striking performance against the highly touted wrestling prospect. The victory marks a important moment for De Ridder, who entered the bout looking to prove his versatility beyond his established grappling dominance.
The matchup,announced by Dana White as part of the UFC 323 fight card,pitted De Ridder against Nickal,a former Division I wrestler with immense hype surrounding his transition to mixed martial arts.While many anticipated a grappling-heavy contest, De Ridder largely dictated the fight in the clinch, frustrating Nickal’s attempts to utilize his wrestling.
The first round saw a considerable amount of clinch work and brief grappling exchanges, with neither fighter establishing clear control. The pattern continued into the second, but De Ridder began to find success with short, impactful strikes. A consistent barrage of punches and, crucially, body knees visibly weakened Nickal.
As Nickal pressed forward, swinging wildly, De Ridder expertly evaded the attacks and capitalized on an opening. A perfectly timed knee to the body landed flush, dropping Nickal to a knee and prompting the referee to halt the contest. The decisive blow underscored De Ridder’s growing prowess as a well-rounded mixed martial artist.
