UFC legend lashes out on fans over ‘fraud check’ trolls at Bo Nickal

Matt Brown slams 'fraud check' claims over Bo Nickal's loss to ex-ONE FC champ Reinier de Ridder at UFC Des Moines.

UFC legend lashes out on fans over ‘fraud check’ trolls at Bo Nickal

UFC legend defends Bo Nickal after loss to Reinier de Ridder (Source: X)

One of the most highly touted UFC middleweight prospects, Bo Nickal, recently suffered a dominant defeat in Des Moines. Reinier de Ridder ended the parade of the PSU three-time NCAA Division I national wrestler in destructive fashion at the Iowa fight card. However, this could sign of Nickal needing more work, not that he is washed or got hype-checked!

So says UFC legend Matt Brown, irked by extensive fan backlash. Reinier de Ridder sealed the matter with a second-round step-in knee that put Nickal away. It was an all-around blowout for the American Wrestling community, given Nickal was touted as a future title challenger. However, Matt Brown believed the setback was not ‘fraud check’ as fans are trying to suggest.

It really frustrated me and almost upset me hearing all these people say ‘fraud check’, …I’m sure you’ve seen this. I’m like, get the fu*k out of here…Give credit where credit is due: de Ridder looked fu*king awesome. He looked great. He looked like a two-weight world champion coming from ONE should look like. He looked like a guy that has a bright future and has a lot of big things to do. Bo Nickal looked like a guy fighting a two-weight world champion he was just not ready for yet. That’s the downside of a guy like Bo Nickal coming into the UFC with very little experience.

Matt Brown on ‘The Fighter vs. The Writer‘ with Damon Martin for MMAFighting on SBN

Though best known for his top-notch grapples and lean-ins, Reinier de Ridder has relentlessly tailored his striking. He showcased it in full length throughout the fight, pounding Nickal to the torso. Brown is of the opinion that slandering Nickal on ‘poor performance’ as the fan clique always does negates the very good work the Dutch fighter did.

It was more a case of RDR good than Nickal bad. Brown also said that up until now, the American wrestler has had favorable outcomes in matchups, easy or not. Although it was bland UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27, he did shut down Paul Craig on the UFC 309 PPV card. So, all in all, it could be part of his learning curve. However, one other name had something unique in mind for Nickal.

Quick and serious switch-up for Bo Nickal after Des Moines loss to former ONE champ

Bo Nickal, an acclaimed wrestler, fighter, and Donald Trump’s golfing buddy, faced his first UFC tenure defeat at UFC Des Moines. After UFC on ESPN 67 co-headliner at Wells Fargo Arena, Iowa, he now stands at a modest 7-1 MMA and 4-1 UFC

Bo Nickal in need of a weight switch-up (or down) after UFC Des Moines
Bo Nickal in need of a weight switch-up (or down) after UFC Des Moines (Source: X)

Dutchman Reinier de Ridder inked his first $50k POTN post-fight bonus, and has other ideas where he’ll go to from here on. Meanwhile, Bo Nickal needs a tune-up or down at places. Aljamain Sterling, who also comes from a wrestling background, noted that he faded against RDR before the body-shot KO. Hence, Aljo has thought that Nickal might just be too small for the UFC middleweight division.

I hate that I was right but the size disparity for Nickal at 185 is very apparent…[different tweet] I wrestled 133 then 141. Somehow, I magically was able to make 135. Bonus a middleweight but the top 15 MWs are noticeably bigger than him in the cage. Even Brundage looked bigger.

Aljamain Sterling via X (@funkmasterMMA)

Nickal revealed that he added mass for this fight camp, needing to cut about 37 pounds for the non-title middleweight weight stipulation of 186 lbs. Yet Sterling believes he had the frame for 170 pounds. It’s the opposite of the former bantamweight king, who really fleshed out well for his 145-pound hydration and role.

6′ 1″, and at 185 lbs; maybe a bit on the low side and frame? UFC analyst Alan Jouban also agreed that the Team ATT fighter needs to recoup and consider a welterweight option for top results. Only time will tell if Nickal will heed it and if it would actually benefit him.

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