Bo Nickal: Who’s Next After First Loss?

Bo Nickal: Next Opponent?

After suffering his first professional MMA loss to Reinier de Ridder at UFC Des Moines on May 3, 2025, Bo Nickal stands at a crossroads in his promising middleweight career. With a 7-1 record and a reputation as a wrestling prodigy, the former NCAA champion is poised to rebound against a carefully chosen opponent.

This article explores the top potential matchups for Nickal’s next UFC fight, including many UFC prospects & contenders. Should Nickal’s stock go down or remain the same?

1. Andre Petroski

A potential Andre Petroski vs. Bo Nickal fight would pit two elite grapplers against each other in a compelling middleweight bout. Petroski, with an 8-2 UFC record and three straight wins, including a unanimous decision over BJJ ace Rodolfo Vieira, aims to prove he’s the division’s best grappler.

Nickal, despite his 7-1 record and recent knockout loss to Reinier de Ridder, remains a wrestling phenom with three NCAA titles, relying on dominant takedowns and ground control. Petroski’s submission skills (six career submissions) could test Nickal’s ground game, but Nickal’s superior wrestling and physicality might overwhelm Petroski if he secures top position.

The fight likely hinges on whether Petroski can keep it standing or scramble to threaten submissions, while Nickal aims to dictate pace with takedowns. Nickal’s slight edge in wrestling and athleticism makes him the favorite, but Petroski’s experience and heart could make it competitive. With Petroski calling for this fight, fans would certainly like to see the PA natives throw down!

2. Gerald Meershcaert

Gerald Meerschaert, a seasoned middleweight with a 36-18 record, is a submission specialist with 29 wins by tapout. This matchup tests Nickal’s grappling against a crafty veteran known for catching opponents off-guard, especially off his back.

Meerschaert is unranked, making this a logical step for Nickal to regain confidence after his loss without jumping into the top 15. A win over Meerschaert would showcase Nickal’s ability to handle dangerous grapplers, while a loss would highlight areas for improvement in his ground game. This fight was suggested by some fans on X, indicating community interest in seeing Nickal’s wrestling tested against Meerschaert’s jiu-jitsu.

3. Michel Pereira

Michel Pereira, ranked No. 13 in the middleweight division, was named by Nickal himself as a potential opponent after his win over Paul Craig. Pereira’s flashy striking and athleticism contrast with his weaker wrestling (50% takedown defense), making him a favorable matchup for Nickal’s grappling-heavy style.

A win over a ranked fighter like Pereira would propel Nickal into the top 15, a goal he’s expressed interest in pursuing. Despite his recent loss, Nickal’s hype and marketability could justify this step up if the UFC believes he can exploit Pereira’s grappling deficiencies.

4. Shara “Bullet” Magomedov

A Shara “Bullet” Magomedov vs. Bo Nickal fight would be a classic striker vs. grappler showdown in the UFC middleweight division. Magomedov (15-1, 4-1 UFC), known for his flashy striking and highlight-reel knockouts like his double spinning backfist at UFC 308, thrives on the feet but struggles with takedown defense.

Nickal (7-1, 4-1 UFC), a three-time NCAA wrestling champion, would likely dominate with his elite wrestling, aiming for takedowns and ground control to neutralize Magomedov’s striking. However, Nickal’s recent knockout loss to Reinier de Ridder exposed vulnerabilities in his stand-up, and Magomedov’s sharp elbows and knees could catch him if he fails to close the distance.

Nickal’s wrestling gives him the edge, likely winning via ground-and-pound or submission in under 90 seconds, as he predicted, but Magomedov’s dangerous striking makes it a high-risk matchup if it stays standing.

5.  Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez

Anthony Hernandez, ranked No. 12 in the middleweight division, is another fighter Nickal mentioned as a potential target. Hernandez is a well-rounded fighter with strong grappling (10 submission wins) and improving striking, offering a balanced test for Nickal.

His ranking makes this a logical step up if the UFC wants to push Nickal toward the top 10, but his grappling pedigree could make this a competitive fight on the ground, where Nickal typically dominates. Hernandez said he’d like Nickal to beat a worthy opponent first, meaning fans might have to wait a bit longe for this one.

6. Torrez Finney

Torrez Finney, an undefeated (10-0) middleweight who earned a UFC contract via Dana White’s Contender Series, is a rising prospect with a wrestling background. Suggested by fans on X as a potential opponent, Finney offers a low-risk, high-upside fight for Nickal.

Both fighters are early in their UFC careers, and a win over Finney would allow Nickal to showcase his dominance against another wrestler, reinforcing his grappling credentials after the de Ridder setback. The face-off pictures for this fight would be the stuff memes are made of.

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