Bo Nickal plans to be active in two combat sports disciplines simultaneously.
Sources indicate that the UFC middleweight contender has signed with the new Real American Freestyle wrestling organization. Nickal intends to compete for Real American Freestyle events while continuing his professional mixed martial arts career.
The wrestling promotion is spearheaded by prominent figures, including wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, former WCW senior vice president Eric Bischoff, and veteran wrestling coach Izzy Martinez.
In a press release, Hogan praised Nickal, stating, “Bo Nickal is a tremendous athlete and one of the most accomplished wrestlers on the planet.” Hogan added, “Nickal immediately elevates the RAF roster to new heights with his competitiveness and experience. When fans attend an RAF event they know they’re going to see the best of the best on the mat.”
Nickal is recognized as one of the most successful amateur wrestlers to transition into mixed martial arts, highlighted by his achievement as a three-time NCAA Division I National Champion while at Penn State University.
Since making the move from wrestling to the cage, Nickal made a quick impact with a 31-second knockout in his pro debut. He then earned a spot on Dana White`s Contender Series, where he finished both opponents in the first round to secure his UFC contract.
Following that, the 2019 Dan Hodge Trophy recipient secured victories in his initial four bouts in the octagon. However, in his most recent fight in May at UFC Des Moines, Nickal suffered his first professional defeat, being stopped by Reinier de Ridder.
