From being a promising redshirt freshman under NCAA wrestling legend Cael Sanderson to being featured on a Jon Jones-led Madison Square Garden pay-per-view event, Bo Nickal has come a long way.
Nickal, one of the most accomplished and talented wrestlers in NCAA history with an astounding 120-3 record, wanted to give mixed martial arts a chance after he finished his wrestling career for the Nittany Lions in 2019. He assisted in the process of opening a new facility for American Top Team near Penn State. Therefore, Nickal still lives and trains out of State College to this day.
Nickal appeared on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2022, a series of events that UFC president Dana White puts on to find fighters who he wants to sign to the UFC. He defeated Zachary Borrego in his first DWCS event, but White opted to have Nickal appear on the series again due to only having two professional MMA fights under his belt.
After another win on the series, White gave Nickal a UFC contract. Since then, Nickal has picked up four consecutive victories in the UFC, including a win via decision against longtime UFC fighter Paul Craig.
Nickal has largely used his wrestling background to win his professional fights, but Craig is one of the best wrestlers in the UFC, so the fight was solely on the feet. Nickal looked impressive for someone with little boxing experience and showcased his power by wobbling Craig multiple times.
Still UNDEFEATED 😤@NoBickal gets the decision at #UFC309! pic.twitter.com/dK44dcY6I3
— UFC (@ufc) November 17, 2024
The judges all scored the contest 30-27 for Nickal, and he was awarded the victory. The fans did not seem impressed, chanting “overrated” during the fight.
Don’t listen to the haters, Bo! Penn Staters around the globe are rooting you on during this spectacular journey.