Former Penn State wrestler Bo Nickal was one of the most accomplished wrestlers of all time while at the program, winning three NCAA Division 1 National Championships. He has transitioned that fantastic wrestling career into an MMA career, making his UFC debut on Saturday night.
Nickal came into Saturday with a 3-0 professional record, two of which coming on the Dana White Contender Series, which is a show for the UFC to essentially scout prospects to potentially sign into the promotion. He impressed in those two fights, winning both fights in the first round thanks to his dominant wrestling style.
He took on Middleweight fighter Jamie Pickett at UFC 285 on Saturday night and did not disappoint. Nickal dominated from the very start, winning again in dominating fashion by submission in the first round.
BO NICKAL IS HIM@NoBickal | #UFC285 pic.twitter.com/ZilUEt8CiM
— UFC (@ufc) March 5, 2023
It is very rare that we see an essentially unknown fighter debut on the main card of a pay-per-view event in the UFC. Nickal was asked about what this moment meant to him after the fight.
“For me, you know like I said I’m 4-0 in my career,” Nickal told UFC commentator Joe Rogan. “I’ve been doing MMA for a year and a half and I’m on the main card of a UFC pay-per-view. I’m just going to get better and keep dominating. I’m getting that belt and I’m gonna be the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter before my career is done.”
The future is EXTREMELY bright for @NoBickal 👏 #UFC285 pic.twitter.com/p1w0V1wBBd
— UFC (@ufc) March 5, 2023
It is certainly wild to see someone with limited MMA experience look so great in his debut. Time will tell how far he gets in the UFC, but the promotion may have a star on its hands in Bo Nickal.
