“Proud to Represent USA” – Bo Nickal aims to stop Dagestani takeover by any means necessary

“Proud to Represent USA” – Bo Nickal aims to stop Dagestani takeover by any means necessary

Bo Nickal

Bo Nickal is one of the finest, and most highly anticipated exports out of Dana White’s Contender Series. Saying that he is known just as an export of the DWCS is a falsity, however.

Bo Nickal was thrust onto the scene as one of the most highly touted young wrestlers. And now, Nickal has finally secured his UFC contract at just 26 years of age. Needing just 52 seconds to wrap up the fight, the American wrestler threw his opponent Donovan Beard into a triangle choke, and from thereon, the tap was just a formality.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fv89CwP143c

The hype for Bo Nickal seems to be legitimate – quite a few fighters and veterans have come out in praise of him, including Ariel Helwani and Henry Cejudo.

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Call it a fraternal feeling or maybe something that has to do with American pride, Nickal is being touted as the fighter who could possibly put a check on the wrestling juggernauts that Dagestan produces. Being asked by an interviewer if he was happy to bring back ‘United States wrestling’, he replied, “100%. I love representing my country. I’m an American and I’m proud to represent USA wrestling.”

Speaking about wrestling in the United States, he said, “We have the best wrestling on planet Earth. I’m happy to represent in the MMA cage.”

Clearly, Nickal seems to have an eye out for the formidable wrestling that the Dagestanis have to offer, all while believing that American wrestling credentials are the best in the world.

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“Skewed Narrative” – Chris Curtis quashes Ariel Helwani’s high praise of Bo Nickal

Chris Curtis (L), Bo Nickal (C) and Ariel Helwani (R)
Chris Curtis (L), Bo Nickal (C) and Ariel Helwani (R)

While Bo Nickal is getting praised for his dominance left, right and centre; there are still people who wish to see him properly tested before engaging in the hype train themselves.

One of the said people is Chris Curtis “The Action Man” who recently took on Jack Hermannsson in London on short notice, in place of Darren Till.

This morning, Ariel Helwani tweeted, “We’ve rarely,  if ever, seen a wrestler with Nickal’s wrestling resume look so good on his feet this early in his career. I know the fights aren’t lasting long but to be this effective early on with his hands, considering where he came from, is very special.”

To this, Curtis had quite the concise reply, “Stop it.” Further elucidation of his argument went like this – “Come on man. I like Bo, I think he could be very interesting but the only stand-up he has shown is the wrestler overhand to takedown. The standard issue wrestling setup. Against people who are absolutely terrified of him.”

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After Helwani stood firm on his ground, Curtis, again amicably replied, “Not saying he hasn’t looked good, but we have to be objective and admit that he has fought so very over matched people. That creates a bit of a skewed narrative doesn’t it.”

The two agreed to disagree and kept the discussion civil. Do you think the hype surrounding Bo Nickal is legitimate? Can he go on to take on the likes of Khamzat Chimaev, as he has said he can? Let us know your thoughts!

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