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Bo Nickal's image as a high-potential prospect took a massive hit at UFC Des Moines, causing Conor McGregor's close friend Dillon Danis to poke fun at Nickal.
In the co-main event of UFC Des Moines, Nickal was handed the first loss of his career. After a subpar performance, he was TKO'd in Round 2 by former ONE FC two-division champion Reinier de Ridder. The MMA community, including Danis, criticized Nickal after he experienced defeat for the first time. 'El Jefe' wrote on X:
"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."
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Check out Dillon Danis' comments below:
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It was merely a moment for Danis to pat himself on the back for a nonexistent accomplishment, as he hasn't competed in MMA since 2019. Worse still, his previously scheduled matchup with ex-UFC interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson in the GFL is now in limbo after the GFL was put on ice.
As far as Nickal is concerned, it was a night to forget. Not only did he lose to de Ridder, but he looked poor in defeat. After securing a takedown in Round 1, he failed to capitalize on it and went for an ill-fated guillotine choke to counter a scramble. Unfortunately for him, the Dutchman ended up in top position.
Nickal spent the remainder of the round on his back before getting to his feet with little time to spare. Round 2 saw him get bullied in the clinch and battered to the body until a hard knee to the midsection forced him to his knees for the TKO.
It was too much, too soon for Bo Nickal
Part of the vitriol Bo Nickal has received following his loss to Reinier de Ridder was due to overconfidence. Despite fighting no one renowned, Nickal claimed he could defeat Khamzat Chimaev, a far superior fighter with a proven track record against former UFC champions and elite foes.
Check out Reinier de Ridder TKO'ing Bo Nickal below:
Nickal, by contrast, was only finishing UFC newcomers from the regional scene who were signed to face him on short notice, or subpar opposition that had never come close to sniffing the rankings. Once he started facing tougher competition, his performances tanked, and de Ridder was too good for someone so green.
