Wrestling phenom Bo Nickal learns insider information of Team Khabib camp from UFC legend
American wrestler Bo Nickal has shown interest in learning about the training regimes of Khabib Nurmagomedov's team.
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Bo Nickal learns about Team Khabib's training routines (Image via UFC/Instagram)
Over the years, there have been several notable and standout fighters in the UFC. Interestingly, many of these fighters hail from Dagestan, a region in Russia. Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev are prime examples of this phenomenon. Recently, UFC middleweight star Bo Nickal learned some intriguing details about the training camps of Dagestani fighters.
Bo Nickal is an emerging prospect in the UFC middleweight division who started his podcast, ‘Nickals and Dimes‘ in 2023. In a recent episode, he spoke with Demetrious Johnson. They covered a variety of topics, including Nickal’s questions about the training regimens of Dagestani fighters, particularly since Johnson recently had a training camp with Khabib Nurmagomedov and his team.
So, we’re working on off the wall, pull the leg, off the wall, and then they’re going to defend and you behind his back, elevate him, take him down. You do that. One person goes for five minutes, other person goes for five minutes… and then we would do live rounds of grappling and, but, that’s how you see those guys are so good at grappling, like everybody in the room is good, there’s like no easy rounds…
Demetrious Johnson via Bo Nickal’s offical YouTube channel
Interestingly, Dagestani fighters have always been dominant wrestlers and grapplers. They have effectively used these skills to neutralize their opponents in the UFC. Nickal, too, has a strong wrestling background; however, his wrestling style is different from that of the Dagestani fighters.
This difference has led to an ongoing rivalry between American-style wrestlers, like Nickal, and Dagestani wrestlers, such as Islam Makhachev. This might be one reason why Nickal is interested in learning about the training regimes and methods of Dagestani fighters.
In discussion with Demetrious Johnson, he emphasized that their rigorous training procedures significantly contribute to honing their skill sets. Additionally, Johnson noted that the presence of numerous fighters with similar grappling abilities helps them to further improve their game.
When Bo Nickal asserted confidence in beating Khabib Nurmagomedov in a potential fight
Bo Nickal is a talented fighter who rose to prominence through the Dana White Contender Series and is currently delivering impressive performances in the UFC. Since his debut, Nickal has defeated several opponents in the middleweight division and remains undefeated. Most recently, he achieved a victory over Paul Craig at UFC 309.
Despite receiving criticism for what some considered a lackluster performance, Nickal displayed confidence and won by unanimous decision. Known for his wrestling skills, Nickal doesn’t hesitate to highlight his pedigree. In fact, a year ago, he even predicted a potential matchup with UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov.
I just think, that’s my sport, I’ve done that my whole life. I’d go out and do the same thing to somebody who did it their whole life too. So, what’s gonna stop me from doing it to Khabib who’s never competed in wrestling? I think that more than anything, it’s not really an opinion, it’s a fact.
Bo Nickal in an interview (H/T: @SinCityMMA on YouTube)
The former undisputed UFC lightweight champion was one of the most dominant fighters on the roster. However, the ‘Eagle’ retired at the early age of 32, and now serves as a mentor and coach to several notable MMA fighters from Dagestan. As for Nickal, given his impressive winning streak, it will be interesting to see who his next opponent will be.
Related: Bo Nickal Net Worth, UFC Contract, Endorsements and House
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Nilaav Gogoi
(603 Articles Published)