Dagestani faction is well known for being excellent grapplers, besting BJJ black belts and Olympians with ease. But out of thin air, the MMA world has seen the rise of a kickboxer, Sharaputdin Magomedov, hailing from the mountains of the same region. But it seems like Magomedov has now been put on notice by unbeaten UFC star Bo Nickal.
Like his rival, Nickal has been on an impressive run in the UFC. With three finishes to his name in 3 bouts, he continues to climb up the middleweight rank. Similarly, the Dagestani striker has been making a name for himself by finishing 2 out of 4 fights via KO. This could certainly put them on a collision course with the American star. It is something Nickal feels won’t go well for his foe.
It’s like I would like to fight him, but it is not a tough fight, and I would have to go to Abu Dhabi. I would have to go to Saudi, which I would do it, but I think that not a tough fight. Also UFC probably doesn’t want that right now or maybe they would….go over Saudi, make a quick check 90 seconds, call it a day, fly back.
Bo Nicakl via Bo Nickal Podcast YouTube
Bo Nickal believes UFC hasn’t tested Magomedov against grapplers. Undoubtedly, this pairing of the two surging stars in the middleweight division will attract much interest. But before that happens, it would be interesting to see how Nickal’s next match-up goes. One thing is for sure: Magomedov doesn’t feel like a pushover in the wrestling department.
Bo Nickal says he’d be down to fight Shara Bullet and says it’s “not a tough fight” 👀
“I would like to fight [Shara] but it’s not a tough fight… the UFC probably doesn’t want that right now…
Make a quick check. 90 seconds.”
🎥 @NoBickal #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/gQBqrG8gn7
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) November 7, 2024
Stepping up in competition, the standout college wrestler is ready to take on Paul Craig at UFC 309. This will be his first outing since his last appearance at UFC 300. Nickal has been inactive since making his debut in 2023 despite taking no damage in his bouts. The 28-year-old fighter shed light on why he doesn’t want to fight more often with a reasoning of his own.
Unlike Sharaputdin Magomedov, Bo Nickal is in no rush to face the top dogs of UFC
The American wrestler made his mark in the sport with blistering performances in DWCS. Training out of the star-studded roster of American Top Team, Nickal is poised for greatness inside the cage. Unfortunately, he has been quite inactive since breaking into the UFC. Nickal touched upon this topic when a fan raised this question.
Nickal stated that it is not in his best interest to jump up into competition so early in his career. Moreover, in another interview, he even chalked out his pathway to a world title, which seemed remarkably similar to Sean O’Malley. It includes facing a few unranked guys before he turns over and faces the top dogs of the 185lbs division.
I have been fighting professionally since June 2022. Anyone else near my position has over a decade of experience and 3-5x as many fights. I’m on my own path and having fun. Just enjoy the show.
Bo Nickal via X
I’m training brother. Not like these other guys who sit on the couch when they’re not in camp. I’ve been fighting professionally since June of 2022. Anyone else near my position has over a decade of experience and 3-5x as many fights. I’m on my own path and having fun, just enjoy… https://t.co/ejv0LmTvp2
— Bo Nickal (@NoBickal) September 25, 2024
Even before breaking into the UFC, Nickal had the backing of UFC stalwarts like Dustin Poirier and Jorge Masvidal. The Miami resident even vouched for the Nickal to make short work of top ranked fighter Khamzat Chimaev. There are many interesting match-ups to be made featuring the young MMA fighter, and it would be interesting to see what the future holds for him.
