Bo Nickal

USA

Takes snoozer at UFC 309
MiddleweightUFC
November 16, 2024
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.
Read More News
Fight Log
Loading Fight Log...
Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Bo Nickal See More
UFC 309 Preview and Predictions: The MMA Mashup
23 days ago
The sharpest MMA bets, top DFS picks across multiple sites, and predictions for this weekend's UFC 309 card are live on RotoWire before Saturday's pay-per-view event.
MMA Expert Picks: UFC 309 Main Card
23 days ago
UFC 309 expert picks are officially in. Check out how the RotoWire team of MMA contributors envisions every fight going down on Saturday's pay-per-view card.
UFC 309 Jones vs. Miocic DFS Analysis: Drake's Takes
23 days ago
The top MMA betting and DFS plays for this weekend's UFC 309 card are up, as well as breakdowns of betting and lineup strategy, plus predictions for the entire event.
MMA Best Bets: Picks, Odds & Predictions for UFC 309
24 days ago
The top UFC 309 betting picks are live on RotoWire. Check out predictions for a favorite, an underdog, a prop and a parlay for bettors to consider Saturday.
DraftKings MMA: UFC 309 DFS Preview
25 days ago
UFC 309 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
Next fight at MSG
MiddleweightUFC
September 17, 2024
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.
Remains perfect in UFC
MiddleweightUFC
April 13, 2024
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.
Added to UFC 300 card
MiddleweightUFC
December 22, 2023
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.
Rise to top continues
MiddleweightUFC
July 8, 2023
Nickal defeated Val Woodburn via TKO (punches) at 0:38 of Round 1 at UFC 290 on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
In all of Nickal's brief professional bouts prior to this one, he dominated with world-class grappling and submission skills. Seemingly intent on making a statement, Bo changed up the game plan and nearly decapitated Woodburn with a nuclear uppercut. Arguably the greatest prospect in the history of the sport, the UFC is in a tough spot with Nickal. He's 27 years of age, so he's not a kid, but how quickly can you push a guy with four pro bouts under his belt? That said, it's become quite clear Bo is going to destroy anything less than quality competition. This story continues to develop.
Finds late replacement
MiddleweightUFC
July 4, 2023
Nickal is set to face off against Val Woodburn at UFC 290 on July 8, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Nickal has found a replacement opponent for UFC 290 after Tresean Gore withdrew due to injury. He will now face off against Val Woodburn (7-0), who will make his UFC debut in Las Vegas.