UFC 300 star Bo Nickal is the American version of Khamzat Chimaev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Islam Makhachev, says Michael Bisping

UFC legend and commentator Michael Bisping defended Bo Nickal‘s UFC 300 card placement this week. With the landmark event just around the corner, Nickal faced much criticism for having a main card spot over former champions on the card. However, Bisping gave a fresh take on why Nickal received the spot.

Bo Nickal might not boast hefty numbers, but the wrestler holds quite the mettle. UFC 300 entails big names such as former titleholders Aljamain Sterling and Jiri Prochazka. making a move up. Moreover, two-time PFL winner and Olympian Kayla Harrison makes her UFC debut. Bisping cited the overwhelming potential of Nickal as the reason for the main card spot.

Bo Nickal has the potential to go down as one of the greatest champions that we've ever seen, An American version of a Khamzat Chimaev or an Islam Makhachev or a Khabib Nurmagomedov, you know. That's the kind of pedigree that he has.

Michael Bisping via MMAFighting on SBN

Taling to host Damon Martin (for MMAFighting on SBN), Bisping described him as the American Khabib Nurmagomedov. ‘The Count’ also alluded to Dagestani and Chechen equivalents Islam Makhachev and Khamzat Chimaev to laud the undefeated Nickal’s grappling prowess. Consequently, Jon Anik also said Nickal and Chimaev have similar kinds of energy.

The NCAA national champ himself has also advocated that UFC considers him a good draw. Hence, Nickal made the main card lineup instead of the second prelims. Nickal meets Cody Brundage in the main card opener. As a wrestler, Nickal’s mettle is unmatched, and he aims to showcase excellence on the greatest UFC card of all time.

Bo Nickal: What you need to know about the decorated wrestler before UFC 300

Bo Nickal might not boast large numbers of takedowns with minimal fights. But he already sees prime comparisons to the likes of Khabib Nurmagomedov and other wrestling veterans. There are those like veteran Chael Sonnen who remain baffled by his main card placement for UFC 300. There are also those like Michael Bisping who think the wrestler deserves it.

Nickal started wrestling between the mere age of 5-6 years old. Transitioning to the Allen High School in Allen, Texas, he became known as Bo “The Allen Assassin” Nickal. He went on to become the US Open and the 2019 U23 World Champion. He was also a finalist at the 2020 US Olympic Team Trials. During his college days, Nickal was a 3-time NCAA Division I national champion as well.

Turning pro in 2022, he bagged a UFC contract at Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS): Series 56 just after his 3rd bout. He went 2-0 as an amateur before that, with one knockdown and a submission victory to his name. White loved the excitement that Nickal brought.

 I literally write notes to remind me [of the fights]. The only note on my paper is, ‘goddamn,' ...I mean, for a kid who has almost no experience, he took on a guy who’s 6″2′, 7-1 [record], 78-inch reach… the confidence this kid had to roll into the triangle the way he did.

Dana White post-fight after Contender Series (DWCS): Series 56; Bo Nickal vs. Donovan Beard

His wrestling prowess is apparent in his two wins by KO and three by submission. They ranged from triangle chokes and arm-triangle to even a rear-naked choke. According to DraftKings, betting odds for UFC 300 put him as a -1450 favorite. Going into the matchup, Nickal would aim to pool all his resources and put them to good use against the rival.

In case you missed it:

• USA’s wrestling phenom Bo Nickal enjoys 5v5 $50 fights more than UFC knockout performance bonuses
• “Freakin fraud!” UFC phenom Bo Nickal fires shots at wrestling legend Jordan Burroughs 

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