Bo Nickal continues his rise as one of the most compelling prospects in the middleweight division, pairing world-class wrestling with relentless pressure, athleticism, and rapidly evolving finishing ability. As he prepares for his next test at UFC 322, these three standout performances highlight his transformation from highly hyped newcomer to legitimate contender.
1. Nickal vs. Jamie Pickett – UFC 285 (Las Vegas)
Nickal’s long-awaited UFC debut delivered exactly the dominance fans expected. He immediately imposed his wrestling, dragging Pickett to the canvas and methodically advancing position before securing a first-round arm-triangle choke. The submission win earned Performance of the Night honors and confirmed that the immense hype behind him was firmly justified.
2. Nickal vs. Val Woodburn – UFC 290 (Las Vegas)
Despite a late opponent shuffle, Nickal stayed composed and explosive, dispatching Woodburn with punches just 38 seconds into the opening round. The blistering TKO showcased his fast-improving striking and killer instinct, proving he could finish fights even without leaning heavily on his trademark wrestling.
3. Nickal vs. Cody Brundage – UFC 300 (Las Vegas)
In his toughest matchup to date, Nickal faced veteran wrestler Cody Brundage and delivered a complete, mature performance. After dominating early with top control and calculated ground-and-pound, he transitioned smoothly to a rear-naked choke in round two for yet another finish. The victory demonstrated his continued evolution and ability to blend striking, grappling, and fight IQ at a higher level.