After derailing UFC ‘hype train’ Bo Nickal, Reinier de Ridder calls out ‘best striker’ Sean Strickland

UFC Des Moines star Reinier de Ridder solves PSU wrestling riddle Bo Nickal, eyes a strike-fest against former champ Sean Strickland, next.

After derailing UFC ‘hype train’ Bo Nickal, Reinier de Ridder calls out ‘best striker’ Sean Strickland

Reinier de Ridder doubles down on Sean Strickland's striker's test after UFC Des Moines (Source: IMAGO/X)

UFC’s new riddle Reinier de Ridder is ready for the big scraps; Dricus Du Plessis. Anyone? Social media memes have been eliciting that thought up after this weekend. Both have had barnburner styles that fit only them. But for now, de Ridder is looking for more eligible options to climb the middleweight ladder. After his UFC Des Moines stunner over prospect Bo Nickal, he has wanted a striker to duke it out with. He had Sean Strickland in mind.

Bo Nickal is a PSU three-time NCAA Division I national /Big Ten alum, and this was a big hit to American wrestling. Sean Strickland, on the other hand, is a riddle of his own, with his shelled-up, puff-and-tuff style of thumping around and defensive boxing.

Now would also be a good time to capitalize for Reinier de Ridder. Strickland is fresh off another failed title bid at UFC 312: Du Plessis vs. Strickland 2 PPV headliner. Hence, the focus is now on American strikers and this particular style, which is hard to decipher.

I think I might be regretting it in a little bit. Yeah. But now, as I said in the cage, this was the best American wrestler. Let’s do the best American striker. I like Sean. He’s a funny dude. He’s a real character and is. He’s top five, right? Like what ranking three, four? …And I think it’s an interesting matchup style wise. He’s a very good jab. I don’t think my jab is too bad. Yeah, I would like that fight. I would really like that fight. Do you have a timeline for when you would like to do that fight next week?

Reinier de Ridder during UFC on ESPN 67 post-fight fighter interviews

The Ex-two-division ONE FC champ crumpled Bo Nickal with TKO (strikes) – more importantly, a liver shot – Round 2, 1:53 mark of their UFC Des Moines scrap. Afterward, he took a shine to holistically unhinged ‘character’ Sean Strickland.

Post-fight, a smirky de Ridder even doused that he could do it next week, at the UFC 315 PPV card, May 10 in Montreal, QC, Canada! Interestingly, no better way to attract a character like ‘Tarzan’ than to be one himself.

Before the key 185-pound UFC Des Moines scrapper, Ridder’s walkout carried a lot of boos while at the Wells Fargo Arena. But after crumpling a four-time Penn State wrestling All-American and Donald Trump’s golfing buddy, fans were all praises. If he could get past a name like Sean Strickland, it would cement him as a contender faster than anyone.

UFC on ESPN 67 post-event tidbits: ‘ONE’ name Reinier de Ridder inks first post-fight UFC bonus after highlight finish

UFC on ESPN 67 in Des Moines had its moments throughout and out. Native man Jeremy Stephens tied the UFC competition record for all-time losses. ‘Savage’ Gillian Robertson, prone to savagery, retired a name and sent her packing. The odds on the card were 7-5 in favor of the winner.

Reinier de Ridder bags first POTN bonus vs. Bo Nickal at UFC Des Moines
Reinier de Ridder bags first POTN bonus vs. Bo Nickal at UFC Des Moines (Source: X)

Cory Sandhagen made his case to be a PPV title backup contender. A prime name returned to the ranks, but could not capitalize on it. Daniel Rodriguez woke up the crowd with a stunner of his own. But Reinier de Ridder and his win over one Bo Nickal was quite the head-turner in front of the gazing 15,627 for a live gate of $2,476,690.

The ex-ONE Championship titleholder worked the torso after closing range, before a final knee sealed the deal. It sent Nickal breaking down to the mat for the TKO and de Ridder’s first Octagon bonus. He picked up an extra $50,000 POTN bonus.

De Ridder now stands at a combined stat of 20-2 MMA, and 3-0 UFC. He credits all 18 of his 20 career victories by stoppage. These also include all three of his UFC competition wins so far. While once trotting light heavyweight lanes as well, he will now look to make middleweight as his longstay, and this was a good win in that direction.

Also Read: