Bo Nickal‘s hopes of moving up the UFC middleweight ladder were dashed at UFC Des Moines. This was intended to be another step toward a potential blockbuster fight with Khamzat Chimaev (expressed by Bo himself). Back in October 2022, after his Octagon debut, Nickal said: “I know he’s not committed like I am. He’s not willing to do the things that I’m willing to do. Yeah, he’s talented. Yeah, he has skills. But if that’s how you approach the sport, if that’s how you treat it, we’re on different levels. People will act like I’m talking crazy because I say I’m ready to go, Chimaev, let’s get it.”

However, the Penn State Alum found himself curled up against the fence following a vicious knee to the midsection from Reinier de Ridder. The undefeated wrestling phenom, whose NCAA credentials made him one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory, suffered his first professional setback, prompting a rush of divided reactions from the MMA community. Some described it as a crucial reality check. Others did not hold back at all.

Dillon Danis, never one to miss an opportunity to stir the pot, did not mince words. “One of the best American wrestlers of all time, Bo Nickal, ended up on his knees in the fetal position, gave up from body shots, and didn’t even go out fighting on his shield. When I say these guys aren’t on my level, I’m never wrong,” he wrote on X.

In true Danis fashion, the comment came out more as a gleeful jab than an analysis. It reflected a rising concern among critics: that the American wrestling-to-MMA pipeline, once seen as the most sure road to domination, may be losing ground in today’s ever-changing fight game. For many, Nickal’s defeat meant more than just a bad night; it might’ve also represented a larger shift in MMA’s global landscape.

But not everyone was ready to cast doubt on Nickal’s potential. Olympic gold medalist and former UFC double champion Henry Cejudo responded with a tremendous display of support on X. “The wrestling world has taken a hit today. Keep your head up, @NoBickal. This is not the end. I got finished by Demetrious Johnson with a similar body shot, and I went on to avenge that loss and become champion. You are capable of doing the same. Get back on your horse, brother,” he wrote, recalling his own early hardships and recovery after being stopped by Demetrious Johnson at UFC 197.

Cejudo’s words are surely more than just a motivational tweet, as they express something deeper—wrestlers may struggle when they transition to MMA, but how they adapt is what defines their destiny. For the unversed, Cejudo later became the one to break Johnson’s iconic 125lbs title reign at UFC 227 with a better game plan and approach. ‘Triple C’ has been there, and his message was clear: Bo Nickal’s story does not end here.

If one thing is clear, it’s that the difference in responses shows wrestling is now under scrutiny as rival styles—from Muay Thai to Sambo—produce increasingly well-rounded athletes capable of exposing the sport’s weaknesses. Bo Nickal’s path to the top isn’t blocked just yet, but it has been significantly changed. For the time being, the dream of facing Khamzat Chimaev is on ice.

The broader concern is whether the new generation of wrestling elites will evolve—or fall behind—in a fast-paced sport. But while Nickal would be busy retracing his steps to find out what went wrong, Reinier De Ridder is already moving toward his next target.

Bo Nickal’s rival, Reinier De Ridder, has already moved on

While Bo Nickal is taking time to reflect and recalibrate, Reinier De Ridder is rushing ahead, making it obvious that he isn’t going to waste time. His callout of Sean Strickland was more than just a challenge; it was a statement. After all, defeating a top-tier wrestler like Nickal and then immediately targeting one of the division’s finest strikers shows a fighter’s willingness to compete with the best. He said in the post-fight interview, “I wanted to say this is the best American wrestler you have, right? Now give me the best American striker. Strickland, you’re up, buddy; let’s go.”

Whether ‘Tarzan’ is indeed “the best” American striker is debatable, but De Ridder’s boldness is unquestionable. That kind of confidence distinguishes him as a rising star, even if some fans may snicker at his choice of words. During his fight with Nickal, he displayed an impressive ability to adapt and capitalize on his opponent’s mistakes.

Sure, they spent some time on their feet, but De Ridder’s clinch control and powerful knees in the second round demonstrated his striking growth. He didn’t rely solely on his grappling skills; he showed a well-rounded game that will draw attention in the UFC’s middleweight division.

Nickal couldn’t handle the pressure, so the Dutchman finished it when the opportunity presented itself. Now, with the ink barely dry on his most recent success, Reinier De Ridder isn’t simply looking for the next fight. He’s searching for a big win that will propel him into the spotlight. He may have surprised the UFC world with his quick rise, but the true issue now is establishing that he belongs in the top tier of the middleweight rankings.

If he gets his way and faces Strickland next, it will be a fight that not only tests his skills but also his ability to back up every bit of that bold confidence. What do you think? Will Dana White book the fight anytime soon? Let us know in the comments.