UFC analyst calls for Khamzat Chimaev vs Bo Nickal to test American vs, Russian wrestling in MMA: “Somebody’s O has got to go…”

UFC Hall of Famer Chael Sonnen proposes a future clash between top contenders Khamzat Chimaev and Bo Nickal. 

UFC analyst calls for Khamzat Chimaev vs Bo Nickal to test American vs, Russian wrestling in MMA: “Somebody’s O has got to go…”

Khamzat Chimaev vs. Bo Nickal has the potential to become a huge wrestling showdown (via Imago)

Khamzat Chimaev is considered the best wrestler in the UFC today. The ‘Borz’ has consistently displayed dominant and lightning-fast grappling skills. However, there are many other fighters, such as Bo Nickal, who are eager to break that hype.

Nickal recently did a podcast with UFC veteran Chael Sonnen on his YouTube channel and discussed a variety of topics. Nickal is currently on an undefeated streak and looking for a new opponent. During the conversation, Sonnen shared his excitement to potentially see a fight between Chimaev and Nickal. 

There is nothing I enjoy speaking about more than what would happen with Bo and Chimaev…who’s gonna go for, who’s gonna get the other one there. Are they gonna go for a double leg, is it going to be over-under. I like that entire argument. 

Chael Sonnen via Bo Nickal’s YouTube channel 
YouTube video

Nickal is a decorated wrestler with a stellar collegiate career at Penn State and is a three-time NCAA Division I champion. He also earned the Dan Hodge Trophy and was renowned for his dominance, technique, and pinning ability. The fighter has an incredible fan base mostly consisting of Americans. 

Nickal’s fight with Chimaev could potentially push the narrative about American wrestling vs. Russian wrestling. It has been a debate for a long time since fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev dominated the UFC. Given the competitiveness sentiment, Chimaev vs. Nickal could be huge for the UFC.

Bo Nickal doesn’t think Khamzat Chimaev can beat him

Khamzat Chimaev burst onto the UFC scene in 2020, showcasing incredible dominance with quick finishes in two weight classes. He set the record for fastest turnaround victories, displaying relentless wrestling, knockout power, and an unmatched fearless attitude inside the octagon. His unbeaten streak and electrifying performances have made him a feared contender for the UFC championship. 

Bo Nickal dismisses Khamzat Chimaev as a potential threat
Bo Nickal dismisses Khamzat Chimaev as a potential threat (via X)

Bo Nickal has previously called out the Chechen warrior, but Chimaev didn’t consider it as a challenge. According to Nickal, nobody in the middleweight division all around the world can beat him in wrestling. The fighter cited Chimaev’s lack of cardio as a huge weakness in a potential fight. 

I think that he’s good, he’s got skills but his biggest thing that’s going to crush him especially in a fight against me is, dude you’re going to get tired…as the fight goes on and you know, you’re not going to take me down which is your best attribute…I can hold you down there for a little bit and the longer the fight goes, the worse it’s going to get.

Bo Nickal via his YouTube channel 

Chimaev’s last fight was at UFC 308, where he destroyed top contender Robert Whittaker with ease. Currently, he’s one of the top contenders for the title shot, a gap that Nickal will have to close in the future. However, it will be interesting to see whether this dream American vs. Russian wrestling clash takes place in the future.