UFC middleweight Bo Nickal is set to pursue both mixed martial arts and wrestling endeavors concurrently.
Officials have confirmed that the prominent UFC fighter has reached an agreement with the Real American Freestyle wrestling organization. Nickal intends to actively compete for Real American Freestyle while simultaneously continuing his career in mixed martial arts.
The wrestling promotion is notably spearheaded by wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, former WCW senior vice president Eric Bischoff, and seasoned wrestling coach Izzy Martinez.
In an official statement, Hulk Hogan praised Nickal, calling him a “tremendous athlete and one of the most accomplished wrestlers on the planet.” Hogan added that Nickal`s inclusion will immediately elevate the RAF roster and ensure fans witness top-tier competition.
Before transitioning to MMA, Nickal established himself as an elite wrestler, achieving the status of a three-time NCAA Division I National Champion for Penn State University, making him one of the most decorated wrestlers to enter the cage.
Since shifting from the wrestling mat to the MMA cage, Nickal quickly made an impact, securing a swift 31-second knockout in his professional debut. This performance earned him a spot on Dana White`s Contender Series, where he dominated both opponents with first-round finishes, ultimately securing his UFC contract.
As a recipient of the 2019 Dan Hodge Trophy, Nickal maintained his winning streak in the UFC, claiming victories in his first four octagon appearances. However, in his most recent bout in May at UFC Des Moines, he suffered his first professional loss when stopped by Reinier de Ridder.
