Reinier de Ridder was by no means anxious about Bo Nickal’s wrestling acumen.
Returning to the Octagon for his third promotional look at UFC Des Moines, ‘The Dutch Knight’ delivered a spectacular exhibiting towards the previous Nittany Lion, folding Nickal within the second stanza with an particularly brutal physique shot.
An achieved BJJ specialist, de Ridder had little concern strolling into the bout, believing that whether or not it’s within the clinch or on the mat, he’d maintain a determined benefit over the D-1 nationwide wrestling champion.
“This struggle goes to be received or misplaced within the clinch,” de Ridder informed TMZ Sports activities. “I wasn’t terrified of his wrestling as a result of I do know as soon as we hit the ground, each scramble is in my benefit as a result of I can discover that neck each time.”
Reinier de Ridder aiming excessive following his show-stealing efficiency at UFC Des Moines
Whereas de Ridder’s victory over Nickal was a bit second for the previous two-division ONE world champion, the actual fact stays that Nickal was an unranked fighter and the Dutchman himself is barely within the middleweight division’s prime 15, occupying the No. 13 spot.
Nonetheless, that didn’t cease de Ridder from aiming excessive throughout his post-fight interview.
“I needed to say that is the most effective American wrestling you might have, proper? Now, provide the finest American striker,” de Ridder informed Michael Bisping. “[Sean] Strickland, you’re up, buddy! Let’s go.”
Strickland presently sits because the No. 2 ranked contender within the division after developing quick towards reigning titleholder Dricus Du Plessis in his final outing.
It’s unlikely that the UFC would give de Ridder such a high-profile opponent in his subsequent outing, however there are many favorable matchups to get him within the prime 10. Jared Cannonier, Roman Dolidze, and Marvin Vettori, to call just a few.
