“HE STRAIGHT UP QUIT IN THERE. WHAT AN EMBARRASSMENT.” That’s the kind of reaction Bo Nickal is currently receiving online after Reinier de Ridder put him out in brutal fashion in their UFC Des Moines co-main event. After his last outing against Paul Craig, which sparked “overrated” chants at UFC 309, the stakes were set. If he somehow lost his next fight, there would be no end to the backlash. Now that the worst has happened, the expected reactions are pouring in. Among the criticisms, Michael Bisping has stood up in Nickal’s defense.
Bisping was very impressed with how the former NCAA star has paved his journey inside the UFC. ‘The Count’ has always praised how the 29-year-old has used his wrestling and evolved since the Contender Series. The former 185lbs champ was so sure that Nickal would turn out to be a champion one day and called him an American version of Chimaev, Makhachev, and Khabib Nurmagomedov before he fought Cody Brundage at UFC 300.
In an interview with MMA Fighting, he said, “Bo Nickal has the potential to go down as one of the greatest champions that we’ve ever seen. An American version of a Khamzat Chimaev or an Islam Makhachev or Khabib Nurmagomedov.” The UFC Des Moines co-main event was the perfect platform for the undefeated prospect to prove that his last fight was just a bad day at the office, which, despite everything, still ended in victory.
However, the Dutchman’s experience proved to be too much to handle. Almost immediately, many were upset with his loss and took to social media to voice their opinions that were, of course, directed at Nickal. And as expected, Bisping felt that the reactions were a bit too harsh and disrespectful, so he confronted them with a simple reply: “Bit of a c—t, aren’t you?” He also posted, “The level of disrespect sometimes is just crazy.”
The level of disrespect sometimes is just crazy. https://t.co/7JRgZuhqvj
— michael (@bisping) May 4, 2025
This loss had to feel hard for Nickal and his team. He was riding on a 4-fight winning streak and had a lot of expectations on his shoulders, which he failed to meet. However, that doesn’t mean a stellar comeback isn’t an option. Many have transformed their career after facing a monumental loss in the early part of their career. At least Henry Cejudo believes that Bo Nickal can make a massive comeback, just like he did.
Henry Cejudo motivates Bo Nickal for a comeback
The UFC is full of stories of fighters who have turned the tide of their careers and become special. Henry Cejudo is one of them. He fought the legendary Demetrious Johnson at UFC 197 for the flyweight championship and lost in the first round due to similar knees to the body. With pure hard work and dedication, Cejudo earned another chance to face Mighty Mouse at UFC 227, finally grabbing the belt, though it came by a close split decision.
After Nickal lost the bout against de Ridder, ‘Triple C’ took to X and posted, “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 #UFCDesMoines”
Cejudo has provided Nickal with the utmost support that he needs right now. And who knows? They might join forces whenever the all-American decides to start preparing for his next fight. The UFC Des Moines co-main event has proved one thing. The 29-year-old needs to make real improvements before he fights another dangerous opponent.
That being said, which area do you think Bo Nickal needs to work on? And also, do you think training with Henry Cejudo will bring any benefits to him? Please let us know by commenting below.
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