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The inclusion of Khabib Nurmagomedov to the UFC roster changed the entire dynamics of the promotion. How, you ask? Well, it opened the doors for the Russians, especially Dagestani fighters to mark their legacy in the UFC. His retirement back in 2021 was harsh for Dana White as well as the promotion. However, the UFC supremo might have found the perfect replacement for ‘Eagle’ in the shape of Bo Nickal.
The NCAA wrestling champion boasts one of the best records from his wrestling days and remains undefeated under the promotion. Likewise, a UFC insider has also claimed that Bo Nickal is the best prospect with͏in͏ the promotion to replicate Nurmagomedov’s ͏legacy.
Dana White might have another opportunity to turn UFC upside down
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Khabib Nurmagomedov left such a legacy for the promotion that even today his protege is dominating the lightweight division. Now, years after his retirement, Dana White has another opportunity to create a similar, if not the same narrative as ‘The Eagle,’ by making Bo Nickal his biggest prospect for the middleweight division. The undefeated fighter has fought 6 battles so far in his MMA as well as his UFC career and has remained undisputed till now.
Polls of the day
Poll 1 of 5
Do you think Dana White can handle another Khabib Nurmagomedov-like situation?
Absolutely
No way
Only time will tell
He'll need a miracle
Do you think Jon Jones deserved Alexander Volkov's trolling?
Absolutely
Not at all
Maybe, but it was too harsh
He had it coming
Whats your Perspective on:
Is Dana White's latest challenge the toughest since Khabib? Can he handle the heat again?
Have an interesting take?
Should the UFC introduce a Women's BMF title?
Absolutely
No way
Only if the fighters are worthy
Not sure
Do you think Marc Goddard should be allowed to referee Leon Edwards' fights?
Yes, he's professional
No, it's a conflict of interest
Only for non-title fights
Depends on the situation
Looking at these records, former middleweight champion and UFC insider, Michael Bisping called him Nickal the next Nurmagomedov, “Bo Nickal has the ability to be an American Khabib Nurmagomedov, and he’s a great guy, he’s phenomenal, he’s undefeated. The UFC knows what they have on their hands,” said Bisping.
Well, his MMA record is impressive, however, his wrestling record from his initial days is as big as a T-Rex. His NCAA record stands at a humongous 19 victories and only 1 loss. The Rifle, Colorado, United States native was also a three-time NCAA Division I national champion as was a three-time Big Ten Conference champion out of Pennsylvania State University.
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via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 08: Bo Nickal talks with Joe Rogan after his middleweight fight during the UFC 290 event at T-Mobile Arena on July 08, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Nickal’s last fight against Cody Brundage at UFC 300 was his masterclass, however, there’s no further information about his upcoming fight or is it?
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What’s your perspective on:
Is Dana White's latest challenge the toughest since Khabib? Can he handle the heat again?
Have an interesting take?
Bo Nickal reveals his timeline for his next fight
The NCAA champion defeated Cody Brundage by submission in the third round at the UFC 300. That fight made him a legend in the making for the promotion. Dana White has been trying his best to push Nickal to his limits to surpass everyone in the middleweight division and it seems to be working so far but what’s next for the newest prospect?
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Well, Nickal in his latest escapade has shared a cryptic story on his Instagram handle. He shared a story with a caption that read, “UFC 309, Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY.November 9th, 2024.” Just by the looks, it appears that Nickal is hinting that he will be coming back to the Octagon around UFC 309.
However, who is going to be his opponent? There’s a high possibility that Dana White will book Sharaputdin Magomedov to fight Nickal as he was interested in facing him but the ultimate decision still lies in the hands of the stakeholders. What’s your take on the entire fiasco? State your thoughts in the comments below.
Debate
Is Dana White's latest challenge the toughest since Khabib? Can he handle the heat again?