UFC middleweight contender Bo Nickal has revealed that he is currently undertaking the most significant weight cut of his professional fighting career.
The highly-touted wrestler, who has successfully transitioned into an MMA prospect, is set to return to the Octagon this Saturday. He will face former ONE Championship titleholder Reiner de Ridder in the co-main event scheduled for UFC Des Moines.
Nickal recently drew considerable attention online following an Instagram post made earlier this week. The post indicated that he began fight week at a notable 222.6 pounds. The former Penn State wrestling standout was questioned whether this figure was accurate or simply a form of strategic psychological play before what is considered his toughest challenge to date.
“A significant part of my training camp over the past few months has been focused on gaining mass,” Nickal explained. “I felt it was important to concentrate on slightly increasing my weight to ensure I`m a proper full-size middleweight. Reaching that initial weight is just part of my job. I`m accustomed to the process of lowering my weight.”
“Throughout my wrestling career since a young age, I`ve weighed in hundreds of times, so it`s completely standard procedure for me,” he continued. “That particular starting weight was definitely a bit higher than I’m typically used to, but it`s still part of the process. No concerns.”
He further clarified, “It was slightly heavier than my expectation, and I was wearing items like a hoodie, so the number on the scale was a little less than what was initially seen. Nevertheless, at that moment, I knew I had a considerable task ahead, but again, it`s just part of what I do.”
Nickal`s previous fight saw him secure a victory on the pay-per-view main card over Paul Craig last November at UFC 309 in New York City. That event was notable for being attended by former President Donald Trump.
The 29-year-old athlete was directly asked if this current weight reduction effort represents the largest cut he has had to make during his relatively brief MMA career.
“It is indeed the biggest cut for a fight, without question,” Nickal affirmed. “I am constantly looking to make adjustments and ensure that in every training camp and cycle, I am improving and getting better. I believe having the added size is beneficial for me.”
The fighter, who trains out of American Top Team, currently boasts a perfect 4-0 record inside the Octagon since earning his place through Dana White’s Contender Series. He also participated in the milestone UFC 300 event in April 2024, where he defeated Cody Brundage via submission in the second round.
When pressed for an update on his weight-cutting progress midway through the week, Nickal chose to keep the specifics private.
“Let’s just say I am significantly lighter than I was earlier this week,” Nickal stated. “Yes, I am no longer at that initial weight.”
