Reinier de Ridder vs Bo Nickal Predictions, Picks & Odds

Undefeated wrestling standout Bo Nickal steps up his game versus Reinier de Ridder in the co-main event of tonight's UFC Fight Night card. 

As Nickal continues his climb as one of the UFC’s most prized prospects, he’s bound to get the best of an elite submission artist.

UFC odds favor Nickal at -330, and de Ridder is a +245 underdog. Here are my best free UFC Fight Night: Nickal vs. de Ridder predictions from the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.

de Ridder vs Nickal prediction and best bet

• My fight prediction: Nickal moneyline (-340 at BET99)
  
  
• My best bet: Nickal by decision (+205 at BET99)

Fight analysis
After a series of high-profile soft touches on multiple pay-per-view cards, Bo Nickal is finally stepping up against former ONE champion Reinier de Ridder, as the UFC gauges just how far its American wrestling phenom can go.

De Ridder is a former middleweight and light heavyweight champion in ONE, and he brings elite submission skills, physical advantages, and far more experience to the octagon.

When we last saw Nickal, he didn’t deliver his usual fireworks. Instead, he played it safe against Paul Craig, avoiding the ground entirely and outstriking him, landing an impressive 63% of his strikes. While the fight wasn’t thrilling, Nickal showcased improved striking and wisely avoided the submission traps that have caught many others against Craig.

Against de Ridder, Nickal’s wrestling will be tested in a way we haven’t seen before, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing, as de Ridder’s striking is average at best.

De Ridder shines in the takedown and submission game thanks to his elite BJJ. Across his two UFC fights, he’s averaged 6.89 takedowns and 2.0 submissions per fight, and his three-inch height edge and 78-inch reach will help him close distance. For de Ridder, the key is to get takedowns early and grind on Nickal, looking to sap his gas tank.

Expect Nickal to control the striking with his superior power, timing, and rapidly improving technique. He can't afford to get sucked into scrambles where de Ridder thrives, but if he stays disciplined and forces this to remain standing, he’ll have the edge. 

This is a legitimate gut check, but it’s one Nickal should pass. 

Best bet analysis
While Nickal has the raw wrestling strength, he hasn’t flashed true knockout power in his striking, and de Ridder has a proven chin despite two knockout losses on his record.

Expect a largely stand-up fight that goes the distance, with Nickal doing the cleaner work. Nickal by decision is my best bet.

Reinier de Ridder vs Bo Nickal odds

Method of Victory	de Ridder	Nickal
To win outright	+255	-340
To win by KO/TKO	+1450	+160
To win by decision	+640	+205
To win by submission	+790	+500
Draw	+2500	+2500

Odds as of 5-3.

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Reinier de Ridder vs Bo Nickal tale of the tape

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