Nickal, an elite wrestler, took de Ridder down in the first round, but an eventual scramble saw him wind up on his back in a rarity. In the second, de Ridder stayed on his feet against Nickal and started working knees and punches to the body. They started to take their toll, and one final one crumbled Nickal and his unbeaten record.

UFC Des Moines delivered an unforgettable night of action, with fierce finishes and dramatic moments throughout the card. But before the first punch was thrown,