Bo Nickal Still Backed to Defeat Khamzat Chimaev Despite RAF Loss to 2026 NCAA Wrestling Champion

Bo Nickal has been a big potential matchup for former UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev since the beginning of his career.

Bo Nickal Still Backed to Defeat Khamzat Chimaev Despite RAF Loss to 2026 NCAA Wrestling Champion

Bo Nickal may beat Khamzat Chimaev in RAF matchup (via MMA Mania, instagram)

Bo Nickal has one of the strongest wrestling resumes among current UFC middleweights. He became a three-time NCAA Division I champion at Penn State. Nickal later transitioned to MMA and built a 6-1 UFC record. A matchup with former UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev has remained a fight he has pursued.

Nickal returned to wrestling at RAF 12, facing Max McEnelly in Cleveland. McEnelly secured a narrow 3-2 decision victory over the former NCAA champion. The 2026 NCAA champion scored the only takedown with a go-behind. The result ended Nickal’s wrestling unbeaten streak dating back to the 2020 Olympic trials.

McEnelly entered RAF 12 as the 2026 NCAA champion at 184 pounds, becoming Minnesota’s first NCAA champion at that weight and adding another major achievement to his wrestling resume. His victory over Nickal further elevated his profile, and after the match, McEnelly was asked about a potential future matchup with Chimaev.

Let’s be real Bo Nickal would smash Khamzat. If I wrestle Khamzat it would be even worse. But also I don’t mean any disrespect to him, I love Khamzat and what he does in the MMA world but this is my world so if he wants to step on the mat with me let’s do it.

Max McEnelly via MMA Fighting

Nickal and Chimaev have been linked for years as a potential UFC matchup testing American and Chechen wrestling. However, the fight has yet to materialize, despite Nickal remaining confident in beating Chimaev. Nickal has also revealed that he studies extensive tape on ‘Borz’ and believes they are among the UFC’s best wrestlers.

Chimaev made his RAF debut against Dillon Danis in the RAF 10 main event, defeating him by pinfall in just 44 seconds. The contest later erupted into a heated brawl between both teams, adding further drama to the event. The Chechen star is now set to return against former UFC champion Tyron Woodley in the RAF Moscow main event.

Nickal has also strengthened his UFC resume in recent months, most recently scoring a knockout victory over Kyle Daukaus on the UFC Freedom 250 undercard. Before that, the wrestling veteran produced an exceptional head-kick knockout over Rodolfo Vieira at UFC 322, adding another finish to his growing UFC resume.

Nickal has already competed under the RAF banner, defeating Jacob Cardenas at RAF 1 in August 2025. UFC veterans Renato Moicano and Gilbert Burns have previously suggested Chimaev would overpower Nickal under MMA rules, while the three-time NCAA champion would dominate on the wrestling mat.

Bo Nickal is now set for his next RAF matchup against Olympic champion Shirvani Muradov at RAF Moscow. The bout gives him another opportunity to compete under the RAF banner and further build his wrestling resume. However, Khamzat Chimaev’s focus remains on a potential title rematch with current champion Sean Strickland.

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Former UFC star terms Bo Nickal as future opponent for potential UFC return

Darren Till spent nearly eight years with the UFC, reaching welterweight title contention before moving to middleweight. He challenged Tyron Woodley at UFC 228 but lost by submission. Till later defeated Kelvin Gastelum before suffering three straight losses. The Englishman left the UFC in March 2023 after requesting his release.

Since leaving the UFC, Till has rebuilt his career through boxing and bare-knuckle competition. He defeated Anthony Taylor, Darren Stewart and Luke Rockhold, stopping the former UFC champion by third-round knockout. Till then made his BKFC debut against Aaron Chalmers at BKFC 90, scoring a second-round knockout.

Bo Nickal
Bo Nickal (via X)

Till and Bo Nickal developed a rivalry through social media exchanges, with Till questioning Nickal’s experience and competition. Nickal responded by dismissing Till’s chances in a potential fight.

‘The Gorilla’ recently revisited the rivalry while discussing a potential UFC return, naming Nickal as an opponent he would consider.

Yeah, 100%, me and him have had a back and forth as well. We could definitely headline a Fight Night if I was to come back.

Darren Till via Weighing In podcast

Darren Till has also called out Sean Strickland while discussing a potential UFC return. The English star previously claimed he dominated Strickland during sparring sessions. However, ‘Tarzan’ currently holds the middleweight title and is expected to prioritize fights with ranked contenders.

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