UFC middleweight Bo Nickal is set to embark on a path of competing in two combat sports disciplines simultaneously.
Promotional officials have confirmed that the highly touted fighter has officially signed with the new Real American Freestyle wrestling organization. Nickal intends to compete under the Real American Freestyle banner while actively continuing his journey in mixed martial arts.
This new wrestling promotion is spearheaded by a team of notable figures, including wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, former WCW senior vice president Eric Bischoff, and long-time wrestling coach Izzy Martinez.
“Bo Nickal is a tremendous athlete and one of the most accomplished wrestlers on the planet,” Hogan said in a released statement. “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 possesses one of the most distinguished wrestling pedigrees among athletes who have transitioned to MMA, having been a three-time NCAA Division I National Champion during his time at Penn State University.
Since making the switch from the wrestling mat to the MMA cage, Nickal quickly made his mark with a 31-second knockout victory in his professional debut. This performance earned him a spot on Dana White’s Contender Series, where he finished both opponents in the first round, subsequently securing a contract with the UFC.
Following his entry into the UFC, the recipient of the 2019 Dan Hodge Trophy achieved four consecutive victories inside the octagon. However, in his most recent bout in May at UFC Des Moines, Nickal suffered his first professional loss when he was stopped by Reinier de Ridder.
