Bo Nickal: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

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When the next rankings drop, Bo Nickal’s only UFC loss will be to a top-5 contender. The Netherlands’ Reinier de Ridder impressed in his fourth UFC fight when he took on former champion Robert Whittaker in his first main event.

MMA News / Bloody Elbow / July 26

Bo Nickal calls for future rematch with Reinier de Ridder in congratulatory post after UFC Abu Dhabi

UFC middleweight star Bo Nickal drew motivation from Reinier de Ridder’s win at UFC Abu Dhabi. Former ONE two-division champion Reinier de Ridder continued his quick ascent in the UFC middleweight division with an instant classic fight at UFC Abu Dhabi.

MMA News / FirstSportz / July 24

Fan-Favorite Robert Whittaker Promises Fairy Tale Ending After Khamzat Chimaev Disaster

Former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker is undoubtedly one of the biggest fan favorites on the current UFC roster. Since joining the UFC in 2012, he’s taken on elite opponents, solidifying his legacy in the Octagon with a humble personality.

MMA News / MMA Sucka / July 23

UFC on ABC 9 Brings Awesome Main Card to Abu Dhabi This Saturday Night

UFC on ABC 9 fight week continues. This coming Saturday afternoon (USA time), Dana White’s promotion touches down in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates for the second edition of UFC Fight Night on the ABC Television Network in as many months.

MMA News / 5 GOATs / July 9

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

Real American Freestyle announced bouts for its first card, that includes Bo Nickal, dubbed “RAF 01” on August 30th in Cleveland, Ohio. The full card is almost set, but it’s a loaded slate of matches for the new pro wrestling league.

MMA News / Bloody Elbow / July 8

Bo Nickal makes light of loss to Reinier de Ridder by mocking volatile reaction to first defeat

After losing his undefeated record, one of the biggest prospects in the sport faced some harsh criticism. Bo Nickal’s ability and mindset were questioned following his latest outing at UFC Des Moines where he was stopped by Reinier de Ridder.

MMA News / 5 GOATs / July 5

Bo Nickal would love rematch with David Taylor in Real American Freestyle

Bo Nickal wouldn’t mind running it back with David Taylor, a former teammate at the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club. The two last squared off at the 2020 Olympic Trials Finals with Taylor winning 4-0 and 6-0 in the best-of-three series.

MMA News / Bloody Elbow / July 4

UFC White House dream card features Donald Trump's biggest fan

UFC White House dream card features Conor McGregor, Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall and Donald Trump’s biggest fan

Donald Trump has sent shockwaves through the world by announcing that an upcoming UFC event will take place at the White House.

MMA News / Penn State Nittany Lions on SI / July 3

Bo Nickal on Return to Wrestling: 'Let's See if I Still Got it'

Bo Nickal is returning to his roots in wrestling. The UFC middleweight and former Penn State wrestling star has signed with Real American Freestyle, a new organization that seeks to professionalize freestyle wrestling.

MMA News / Bloody Elbow / July 3

Justin Gaethje warns Bo Nickal about a ‘rough’ future after first UFC loss… ‘I feel bad’

Justin Gaethje isn’t expecting things to get any easier for Bo Nickal following his first defeat in mixed martial arts. Nickal, a three-time NCAA Division I national champion and three-time Big Ten Conference champion out of Pennsylvania State University, enjoyed a fast start to life in MMA.

MMA News / MMA Sucka / July 3

UFC Middleweight Prospect Signed by Real American Freestyle

Bo Nickal’s next appearance in the world of competitive violence is all set, but it won’t be inside of the fabled UFC Octagon. Nickal, who was defeated by former ONE Championship talent Reinier de Ridder just two short months ago, will be making the trek to the Buckeye State of Ohio on Aug.

MMA News / Bloody Elbow / July 2

Bo Nickal set for combat sports return amid uncertain UFC comeback timeline after suffering first career loss

UFC middleweight star Bo Nickal is returning to his roots as he waits to sign off on his UFC return. Bo Nickal suffered one of the year’s most shocking defeats when he was knocked out by Reinier de Ridder at UFC Des Moines.

Penn State Nittany Lions News / 5 GOATs / July 2

Former Penn State wrestling star Bo Nickal signs with Real American Freestlye

Former Penn State wrestling star Bo Nickal signed with Real American Freestyle, according to a release from the organization. Commissioner Hulk Hogan’s aim to make the college and senior level wrestling stars come together on a professional platform made another splash.

MMA News / MMA Sucka / June 11

UFC Atlanta Ends Spring Schedule with Exciting Undercard

UFC Atlanta fight week continues. Saturday, the final event on the promotion’s spring schedule sees CEO Dana White’s promotion head to Georgia for the first time since April of 2019 for the first of only two UFC Fight Night events in the month of June.

Penn State Nittany Lions News / Nittany Central / June 5

Where Are They Now? Penn State Wrestling Legend Bo Nickal’s UFC Journey from NCAA Glory to Octagon Spotlight

The dynasty of Penn State Wrestling over the last decade and a half has produced some all-time great NCAA Wrestlers. During this off-season I am going to do a “Where are they now?” Series on Penn State Grapplers to come up under coach Cael Sanderson.

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MMA News / MMA Sucka / May 14

UFC Vegas 106’s Awesome Main Card Bouts Saturday Night at Apex

UFC Vegas 106 fight week continues ahead of the final UFC Fight Night before the promotion recesses next weekend in observance of the Memorial Day holiday inside the United States.

MMA News / MMA on SI / May 9

Bo Nickal sends nasty message to UFC haters

Bo Nickal isn't forgetting the flak he's received since losing at UFC Des Moines. Nickal was a controversial figure entering his co-main event against Reinier De Ridder, mainly due to his punching up at fighters like Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev while being unranked himself.

MMA News / Athlon Sports / May 8

Former UFC Champion Blasts Bo Nickal's 'Pathetic' Performance, 'This kid is not a fighter'

Retired athletes sometimes express frustration toward rising stars, a sentiment rooted in complex emotions and experiences. After years in the spotlight, stepping away can be tough, leading to feelings of being left behind.

MMA News / MMA on SI / May 7

UFC champ reacts to 'satisfying' Bo Nickal loss at UFC Des Moines

The most notable moment at UFC Des Moines over the weekend was Bo Nickal's devastating defeat at the hands (and knees) of Reinier De Ridder. While Cory Sandhagen impressed in his main event win over Deiveson Figueiredo, much attention was directed towards Nickal, who endured a crushing first career defeat.

MMA News / FirstSportz / May 7

Reinier de Ridder humbly reveals DARK TRUTH about ‘fraud checking’ Bo Nickal in 2025

Destroying hype trains likely brings satisfaction to fighters, especially considering the intense spotlight and attention surrounding highly promoted contenders.

MMA News / Empire Sports Media / May 5

After suffering his first loss at UFC Des Moines, what’s next for Bo Nickal?

This past Saturday in the co-main event of UFC Des Moines, we saw a major matchup in the middleweight division where arguably the top prospect in the division faced his toughest challenge to date. Bo Nickal (7-1) was getting a huge step up in taking on former two-division ONE champion Reinier De Ridder (20-2).

Penn State Nittany Lions News / Penn State Nittany Lions on SI / May 4

Former Penn State Star Bo Nickal Loses First UFC Bout by TKO

Bo Nickal, the former Penn State wrestling star who began his UFC career with a 7-0 record, sustained a surprising first loss Saturday night at UFC Des Moines.

MMA News / MMA on SI / May 4

Reinier de Ridder shatters Bo Nickal's undefeated record in UFC Des Moines upset

Undefeated middleweight Bo Nickal faced the biggest test of his young MMA career when he met Reinier de Ridder in the co-main event for UFC Des Moines.

MMA News / Athlon Sports / May 2

Exclusive: Bo Nickal Responds to Critics, Assesses Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev

The next chapter in Bo Nickal's (7-0) MMA career takes place on Saturday, and he's ready to test himself against Reinier de Ridder (19-2). Nickal and de Ridder will collide in the co-main event of UFC Des Moines.

MMA News / Athlon Sports / May 2

Bo Nickal Reveals the Real Motive Behind de Ridder’s ‘Just Grapple’ Claim

UFC Des Moines is expected to deliver an exciting night of fights, highlighted by a high-profile main event and a lineup that offers competitive matchups throughout.

MMA News / Empire Sports Media / March 1

UFC targeting Bo Nickal – Reinier De Ridder (Report)

The UFC is working on booking a middleweight matchup featuring arguably the division’s top prospect with a ranking on the line. Bo Nickal (7-0) will look to hold onto his perfect professional record as he takes on former two-division ONE champion Reinier De Ridder (19-2).