Nickal to face De Ridder at UFC Des Moines
A middleweight bout between Bo Nickal and Reinier de Ridder is set for UFC Fight Night in Des Moines, Iowa, on May 3, the promotion announced.
Nickal will look to earn his fifth straight victory in the Octagon. The 29-year-old American Top Team product is coming off a unanimous decision win over Paul Craig at UFC 309 last November. His three other victories in the promotion have come via finish.
Nickal, a former standout collegiate wrestler, holds an undefeated pro record of 7-0.
De Ridder, a former ONE Championship two-division titleholder, is 2-0 since signing with the UFC last year. The 34-year-old Netherlands native submitted Gerald Meerschaert in his debut last November before choking out Kevin Holland in the first round at UFC 311 in January. He's ranked 13th in the division.
Bantamweight contenders Deiveson Figueiredo and Cory Sandhagen will headline the event, while Jeremy Stephens will return to the UFC to take on Mason Jones at lightweight.