Fight Log
Loading Fight Log...
Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Bo Nickal See More
The best MMA bets, top DFS picks across multiple sites, and predictions for this weekend's UFC Des Moines card are live on RotoWire before Saturday's international event.
The top UFC betting and DFS plays for this weekend's UFC Des Moines card are up, as well as breakdowns of betting and lineup strategy, plus predictions for the entire event.
UFC Des Moines betting picks for May 3 are live on RotoWire today. Check out predictions for a favorite, an underdog, a prop and a parlay for bettors to consider Saturday.
UFC Des Moines DFS picks are set for Saturday, May 3, with breakdowns of the top fights on DraftKings and predictions for the key matchups on the card.
UFC Vegas 103 takes place Saturday, so it's time to break down the top fights, plus make DFS picks and predictions for the key matchups on the card.
More Fantasy News
Scheduled against de Ridder
Nickal is scheduled to compete against Reinier de Ridder in a middleweight fight at UFC Des Moines on May 3, per Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl.
ANALYSIS
2025 will be Nickal's first crack at entering the UFC's middleweight rankings. De Ridder is ranked No. 13 of 15 after he began his 2025 by submitting Kevin Holland. If the hype is real, Nickal should have no problem defeating de Ridder just like he did his previous four opponents. Except for Paul Craig at UFC 309, the wrestling standout finished all his adversaries.
2025 will be Nickal's first crack at entering the UFC's middleweight rankings. De Ridder is ranked No. 13 of 15 after he began his 2025 by submitting Kevin Holland. If the hype is real, Nickal should have no problem defeating de Ridder just like he did his previous four opponents. Except for Paul Craig at UFC 309, the wrestling standout finished all his adversaries.
Takes snoozer at UFC 309
Nickal defeated Paul Craig via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) at UFC 309 on Saturday in New York City.
ANALYSIS
To give you an idea what the crowd at MSG thought of this one, they were chanting "overrated" at Nickal by the time it was over. Entering as a -1200 favorite, Bo was supposed to roll through Craig without issue en route to his next challenge. It didn't work out like that. He didn't attempt a single takedown, instead choosing to fight Craig in a 15-minute kickboxing match. Nickal landed the more notable blows, and that won him the fight, but nothing we saw tonight suggests Bo is ready to face elite competition. The UFC has been criticized for slow playing things with Nickal -- perhaps the greatest prospect in the history of the sport -- but the company may have been correct all along. He still has plenty of work to do.
To give you an idea what the crowd at MSG thought of this one, they were chanting "overrated" at Nickal by the time it was over. Entering as a -1200 favorite, Bo was supposed to roll through Craig without issue en route to his next challenge. It didn't work out like that. He didn't attempt a single takedown, instead choosing to fight Craig in a 15-minute kickboxing match. Nickal landed the more notable blows, and that won him the fight, but nothing we saw tonight suggests Bo is ready to face elite competition. The UFC has been criticized for slow playing things with Nickal -- perhaps the greatest prospect in the history of the sport -- but the company may have been correct all along. He still has plenty of work to do.
Next fight at MSG
Nickal will take on Paul Craig in a middleweight matchup at UFC 309 on November 16, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
While wrestling is the primary strength of Nickal, and two of his five UFC fights have been won by way of submission, Craig represents the best pure grappler that the undefeated prospect has faced to date. That said, while Craig is miles ahead of Nickal in terms of MMA experience and big-name opponents, he also has lost four of his last fights and has been relegated to "gatekeeper" status. Nickal should be favored, and should he prove he's able to take care of business here, a ranked opponent could very well be on the horizon.
While wrestling is the primary strength of Nickal, and two of his five UFC fights have been won by way of submission, Craig represents the best pure grappler that the undefeated prospect has faced to date. That said, while Craig is miles ahead of Nickal in terms of MMA experience and big-name opponents, he also has lost four of his last fights and has been relegated to "gatekeeper" status. Nickal should be favored, and should he prove he's able to take care of business here, a ranked opponent could very well be on the horizon.
Remains perfect in UFC
Nickal defeated Cody Brundage via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:38 of Round 2 at UFC 300 on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
Nickal was visibly and vocally upset with his performance, which seems kind of harsh. Yes, Brundage extended him to the middle of Round 2, which is saying something since none of his first opponents lasted longer than 2:54, but he still dominated. Bo landed 3-of-6 takedown attempts, good for 7:25 worth of control time, a ridiculous number for a fight which lasted a shade over eight minutes. The only question at this point is how long the UFC waits to push him. It has been very cautious thus far, and while Nickal is 28 years of age, it's important to remember he still has just six pro fights under his belt. It might be another bout or two before the first real test comes.
Nickal was visibly and vocally upset with his performance, which seems kind of harsh. Yes, Brundage extended him to the middle of Round 2, which is saying something since none of his first opponents lasted longer than 2:54, but he still dominated. Bo landed 3-of-6 takedown attempts, good for 7:25 worth of control time, a ridiculous number for a fight which lasted a shade over eight minutes. The only question at this point is how long the UFC waits to push him. It has been very cautious thus far, and while Nickal is 28 years of age, it's important to remember he still has just six pro fights under his belt. It might be another bout or two before the first real test comes.
Added to UFC 300 card
Nickal is scheduled to face Cody Brundage at UFC 300 in Las Vegas on April 13, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Nickal was due for a step up in opponent after tearing through both DWCS opponents and winning each of his first two UFC appearances -- all four within the first round. He'll get a slightly better test in Brundage, who is 4-4 in the UFC and coming off back-to-back victories. Both men are known for their wrestling, and while Bo's takedown numbers are off the charts over a short sample size, Brundage respectably averages 2.69 takedowns per 15 minutes. Look for Nickal to enter as a heavy betting favorite despite the step up.
Nickal was due for a step up in opponent after tearing through both DWCS opponents and winning each of his first two UFC appearances -- all four within the first round. He'll get a slightly better test in Brundage, who is 4-4 in the UFC and coming off back-to-back victories. Both men are known for their wrestling, and while Bo's takedown numbers are off the charts over a short sample size, Brundage respectably averages 2.69 takedowns per 15 minutes. Look for Nickal to enter as a heavy betting favorite despite the step up.