Bo Nickal knocks out Rodolfo Vieira at UFC 322

A middleweight bout between grappling standouts Bo Nickal and Rodolfo Vieira was billed as the UFC 322 featured prelim fight on Saturday. 

Nickal entered the bout coming off his first career loss. The three-time NCAA Division I national champion wrestler was looking to rebound and get back in the win column. Standing across the octagon was Vieira, a four-time Brazilian Jiu Jitsu world champion.

Nickal inched forward and delivered back-to-back leg kicks. They clinched and Nickal elevated Vieira and slammed him hard to the canvas. He unloaded with punches but Vieira covered. He got back to his feet but Nickal kept the pressure on. 

They worked for position along the cage before separating. Vieira looked to get the fight to the ground. Nickal applied a guillotine choke and Vieira rolled to his back. Seconds later, Vieira was back on his feet but cut from an elbow. Nickal found a home for his left hand. Vieira pressed forward but was met with a jab. Vieira's output slowed late in the frame. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Nickal. 

Vieira began the second round with a right hand. Nickal responded with a kick to the body followed by a right hand. They stood in front of each other and traded leg kicks. Nickal established his jab and picked up the pace. He pressured Vieira. Vieira clinched and worked to get the fight to the ground. Nickal circled free. Vieira's face wore the wear, swollen and cut. Nickal landed a stiff left hand that stunned Vieira. Vieira changed levels but Nickal stuffed the takedown attempt. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Nickal. 

Vieira pressure Nickal to start the final round. He connected with a right hand. Nickal went back to landing his jab. The pace slowed and the crowd grew restless. Nickal delivered a front kick to the body. Nickal went high with head kick out of nowhere that knocked Vieira out. 

The official time of the knockout was 2:24 of the third round.