On our call in show last Thursday, one of our Premium Members called in and told me that I am too biased towards wrestlers and wrestling in general. He cited some of my thoughts on close decisions and how I tend to score takedowns more than most. This fight breakdown will be no different but there's a bit of a twist. It is undeniable that Bo is the far better wrestler but as I have said many times before, these things don't always come down to who the more accomplished wrestler is but who can get the first takedown. Renier is big as shit and if he simply shoots first, it is very plausible that he gets a takedown and once they hit the actual mat, its undeniable who the better grappler is. I am going to pick Bo because he is a high level athlete getting high level training and I imagine they are prepared to defend takedowns, but even though this is the most affordable he has ever been, i am likely avoiding any bets here.
Reinier de Ridder
Reinier de Ridder is a former two division champion in One FC. He is a solid grappler with good takedowns and great submissions. He is a very tall guy for the division and uses that length well on the ground. He will strike as well, but isn't very clean. He definitely thrives on the ground and seems a bit out of sorts on the feet. He is coming off the quick win over Kevin Holland where he also got a takedown lmost as fast as your mother puts out on a first date.
Bo Nickal
Bo Nickal is a big time wrestling standout who has multiple D1 national championships as well as world champion medals. He is obviously an incredible wrestler who has transitioned to MMA and taken those skills with him. His style is pretty obvious. He is early in his MMA career and is continuing to evolve. He is begging to trust his hands more which we saw in his lats fight with Paul Craig where he attempted zero takedowns.
