Real American Freestyle announces first bouts, including Bo Nickal for inaugural card

“We set out to make history with Real American Freestyle and with these matches, we’re doing just that,” Izzy Martinez, Chief Operating Officer of Real American Freestyle, said. “We’ve got the best wrestlers, the best promoters, the best storytellers, the best production, and the best team, and we’re going to give audiences the thrill of a lifetime on August 30 with RAF01.”

Bo Nickal featured on first Real American Freestyle card

As far as the total roster to this point, there are many names that made their impact on the sport of wrestling. Additional signings are to be announced weekly.

“To date, Real American Freestyle has amalgamated the strongest roster of athletes in the sport, including Wyatt Hendrickson, Lance Palmer, Darrion Caldwell, Beau Bartlett, Nathan Tomasello, Matt Ramos, Seth Gross, Mikey Caliendo, Sarah Hildebrandt, Lucía ‘Jami’ Guzman, Audrey Jimenez, Zeltzin Hernandez, Ben Askren, Kennedy Blades, Zahid Valencia, David Carr, Kyle Dake, Trent Hidlay, Kyle Snyder, Aaron Brooks, Evan Wick, Austin Gomez, Real Woods, Will Lewan, and Parker Keckeisen,” the release read. “New signings are being announced each week, adding to the robust nature of the lineup and creating a diversity of talent never before seen.”

Nickal attempted to make the USA Olympic Wrestling Team in 2021, but fell short of a team spot to fellow former Penn State national champion David Taylor, who went on to win a gold medal. Nickal fully turned his attention to MMA, opening up an American Top Team gym near Penn State’s campus, training regularly with former UFC superstar Jorge Masvidal in the beginning.

In his four seasons at Penn State, Nickal compiled a 120-3 record, won three NCAA titles (two at 184 pounds and one at 197 pounds), was a four-time All-American (national finalist in 2016 at 174 pounds) and finished his career on a 67-match winning streak.

Nickal’s MMA record fell to 7-1 overall and he is now 4-1 in the UFC following his first loss coming in May. Reinier de Ridder came into the fight ranked No. 13 at middleweight, giving the former Nittany Lion his first ranked opponent.