Bo Nickal ‘100 Percent’ Confident on Defeating Phenom Khamzat Chimaev in Wrestling Match

UFC middleweight contender Bo Nickal makes a clear case regarding how he can counter Khamzat Chimaev's wrestling.

Bo Nickal ‘100 Percent’ Confident on Defeating Phenom Khamzat Chimaev in Wrestling Match

Bo Nickal challenges Khamzat Chimaev (via MMA Fighting, CNN)

In Short
  • Bo Nickal expresses 101% confidence in defeating Khamzat Chimaev in a wrestling match.
  • Nickal has a decorated wrestling background, winning three NCAA championships at Penn State.
  • The potential matchup highlights the growing prominence of wrestling in modern MMA.

Wrestling has become a central base for modern MMA, shaping how fighters control opponents on the ground. Competitors from the Caucasus region have shown growing dominance through grappling and takedowns. UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev is undoubtedly a prime example of this. Recently, American wrestling standout Bo Nickal suggested he could challenge the Chechen’s aura.

Nickal built his foundation through an exceptional collegiate wrestling career at Penn State. He won three NCAA Division I national championships and claimed multiple Big Ten titles. Nickal was recognized for his technical skill, relentless pace, and ability to control opponents on the mat. His dominance in college wrestling made him one of the most decorated American wrestlers of his generation.

Chimaev is known for his suffocating grappling and Chechen wrestling prowess. This was evident in his UFC 319 title fight against Dricus Du Plessis, where he controlled nearly 22 minutes of the five-round bout. His undefeated record and dominant performances have raised questions about who can challenge him at the top level. Recently, Nickal addressed this, suggesting he could test ‘Borz’s wrestling supremacy.

Of course in a wrestling match I know that a 100%, I am winning that match. Alright, 101%. It has nothing to do with him, it just has to do with my belief in my self. I watch a ton of film on him (Chimaev). In the UFC right now, wrestling-wise, I think Khamzat and I are the best wrestlers.

Bo Nickal via Jaxxon Podcast

While Nickal showcases exceptional grappling and wrestling, he also possesses dangerous striking skills. This was on display in his UFC 322 fight against BJJ specialist Rodolfo Vieira, where he landed a perfectly timed left high kick in the third round. Nickal has also secured a first-round knockout over Val Woodburn at UFC 290. His ability to combine wrestling with striking makes him a multifaceted threat.

Nickal earned a preliminary spot at UFC 322 following his return from his only career loss to Reinier De Ridder at UFC Iowa in March 2025. In that bout, the wrestling standout was caught by a knee to the body in the second round. The defeat briefly raised doubts about his overall MMA prowess. Despite that setback, Nickal rebounded quickly, showcasing improvements against Vieira at UFC 322.

Bo Nickal hinted at testing Khamzat Chimaev’s wrestling in a head-to-head matchup. Today, there is no better platform for pure wrestling contests than Real American Freestyle. Several UFC stars, including Nickal, have competed under the banner, showcasing elite grappling skills. The potential clash highlights both fighters’ wrestling credentials and remains a notable storyline in MMA’s evolving landscape.

Bo Nickal weighs in on the recent brawl at RAF 06

Real American Freestyle is a wrestling league that uses modified rules, with points awarded for takedowns and control. Matches can end by pin, technical fall, or decision. At RAF 06 in Tempe, Arizona, UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan faced influencer Georgio Poullas in the main event. After Tsarukyan’s 5‑3 win, a major brawl erupted when physical exchanges continued past the match, forcing officials to intervene.

Bo Nickal weighs in on the RAF 06 fiasco
Bo Nickal weighs in on the RAF 06 fiasco (via MMA Mania)

However, during the match, Poullas repeatedly slapped and struck Tsarukyan, drawing protests from the Armenian star. After the bout, Tsarukyan’s anger escalated, and he pushed Poullas to the ground before landing several heavy punches. Both men were separated by security as their teams got involved. The incident highlighted the intensity of the match and prompted Bo Nickal to offer his assessment of the situation.

I think Georgio was trying to be in that gray area, like, ‘Hey, I am clubbing you, I am collar tying you hard, twisting the fingers a little bit’. This is all is in gray are of wrestling. I think he did cross the line too far. But then Arman was crossing the line too, open slapping him. Obviously, Arman took it to another level. Felt extremely disrespected going after him after the whistle was over. But so I mean overall it’s kind of hard to put blame on either side or whatever.

Bo Nickal via Show Me The Money podcast

Bo Nickal’s views on the Tsarukyan–Poullas brawl draw on his wrestling expertise and RAF experience. He debuted in the RAF by defeating Jacob Cardenas at RAF 01 and was later scheduled to face Yoel Romero twice, with both bouts canceled due to Romero missing weight. Nickal’s background in competitive freestyle and awareness of rules and conduct inform his assessment of high-intensity grappling incidents.

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