After a second win on DWCS that was even faster than the first one, it was hard not to imagine Bo Nickal doing very well against the UFC’s best welterweights. Khamzat Chimiev was mentioned at UFC APEX’s broadcast table.
Fresh off a 52-second stoppage on Tuesday night’s up-and-comer showcase, Nickal dispensed with the formalities and called his own shot against Chimaev, another hype train that, weight issues notwithstanding, has grabbed the reigns of the welterweight division
“If the UFC wishes, give me that Swedish dude,” said Nickal, undoubtedly one of the brightest prospects among the 43 fighters signed to the UFC after Season 6 of the Contender Series wrapped. He might not be the greatest guy because he cannot even gain weight. But if this is the case I will take him.
” If not, please give Logan Paul a call. UFC debut. Logan Paul vs. Me. I’m sure he has some talents. Let’s see if we can do it in UFC. You’ll be my guest in the ring .”
@NoBickal has his sights set high for his UFC debut! #DWCS pic.twitter.com/vyEK5qXyxc
— UFC (@ufc) September 28, 2022
It was a promotion that is equally suited for MMA and pro wrestling. This promo was encouraged by Dan Lambert, Nickal’s career advisor and owner of MMA superpower American Top Team. Nickal’s undisputed collegiate wrestling abilities helped him get there, while the best-ranked MMA gym made him the most desirable prospect.
When it came to career trajectory, however, UFC President Dana White said he’d prefer to work from a different playbook: his.
“Let’s not get mad here,” White stated at the DWCS press conference held in Las Vegas. “It’s funny, we were in matchmaking today, and we were talking about Khamzat and possibilities and how f****** good that guy really is.”
He was able to show that by defeating everyone around him. At UFC 279 earlier this month, he came in massively overweight and alienated his audience. But he earned that spot with a series of impressive performances.
Nickal will need to do the same, according to White.
“You don’t test him against ranked talent,” the UFC exec said. “You bring him in just like you would bring in any prospect. You build him up, give him fights.
The problem with is that there are no easy fights. It’s not like boxing. He walked in to a fight that was not easy. Everyone here is a master. So if you perform the way that you performed here twice – there’s some guys that come in here and it’s a rough go. There’s wars, and they’ll squeak out a win at the end. He was dominant twice .”
*Nickal might have to go through a few more hurdles before he can fight top-ranked fighters. A fight with Paul would be pure fantasyland. He’s confident and on track. This is a big deal when it comes down to opportunities.
“Let’s get it baby,” Nickal told Laura Sanko of his Chimaev callout. “I’m here. I’m training every day. I put the work in. I make weight. Let’s do it.”
