Is the MMA world ready for a clash between Bo Nickal and Khamzat Chimaev? The two undefeated middleweights have made their marks in the UFC but what if they were to step inside the Octagon to face one another? According to a recent post shared on Instagram by Brendan Schaub, “Bo Nickal v Khamzat is just a matter of time. I got 10G’s on Bo”

What’s the spark behind this buzz? In the video from ‘The Fighter and the Kid’ podcast shared on social media, a conversation between comedian Bryan Callen and the former UFC heavyweight has stirred the fan’s imaginations and made waves online. During their discussion, Schaub proclaimed, “There’s hype on Bo Nickal, let’s do Bo Nickal, Khamzat now. Is 10Gs too juicy?”

His co-host, Callen, ever the skeptic, seemed baffled, “Why’re you doing that?” he asked, reminding Schaub that this matchup might be a bit “too juicy” at this stage. But Schaub was unwavering, convinced Nickal could rise to the challenge against the grappling powerhouse, Chimaev. Finally, the two agreed on a $5,000 handshake bet for whenever the two fighters step into the octagon.

From there, the conversation took an amusing, imaginary turn. Schaub, pretending to be Dana White, dialed up “Bo” (Callen, in full character!) “Bo, what’s up, buddy?…We got a fight for you—Khamzat, Abu Dhabi, main event.” Callen, fully embracing his role, responded with playful intensity by stating, “I’ll get my stuff. Or it’s this. Or he just goes like, this one’s for America sir. This one’s for America and God.” The exchange has led to an explosion of reactions with some prominent names in the MMA sphere also throwing in their opinions. Here’s a look at what the online community had to say!

Fans and MMA stars chime in on Bo Nickal vs Khamzat Chimaev’s hypothetical matchup

Former Bellator star and grappling expert, Dillon Danis chimed in with his analysis in the comment section. Danis’s skepticism isn’t without a point—’Borz’s striking prowess and grappling skills have proven lethal in his undefeated streak. And for some, Chimaev’s recent performance against top-tier competition like Robert Whittaker has made him look like an insurmountable mountain for the up-and-coming Nickal who is yet to face the same caliber of elite opponents.

Dillondanis: “Not happening bo doesn’t have subs and won’t be able to take him down will get Ko’d on feet.”

However, according to UFC bantamweight, Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera, Bryan Callen’s lack of faith in the American in this matchup was something he wasn’t a fan of. While Chimaev and Nickal are both undefeated, ‘Borz’ has recently defeated two former champions in Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker, which may be why Callen is leaning towards the Chechen warrior in this matchup. What do you think?

ChitoveraUFC: “Bryan Callen should get kick out of the US. Now.”

One fan claimed that they want the UFC to take a page out of WWE’s book and lean into the America vs Chimaev angle even more by having Nickal come out to Hulk Hogan’s theme song, “Real American”.

“Bo Nickal in Abu Dhabi, coming out to Hulk Hogans theme song. Alllll day” I am a real American” do it UFC”

But while the imagery might be compelling, many pointed out Nickal’s last fight against Cody Brundage, noting that Nickal had some struggles against an opponent who, by Chimaev’s standards, isn’t on the same level. In fact, in a recent interview with Nina-Marie Daniels (Nina Drama), ‘Borz’ had stated, “This guy is too young for the sport, he has to grow up. If we fight now, I’m gonna smash that guy easy, first round. Maybe later, when I’m older, he’ll give me tougher fight, but for sure I’m gonna win that time as well.”

“Let’s not forget that Bo struggled against Cody Brundage. Who isn’t even CLOSE to Khamzat’s level.”

Another fan voiced the popular opinion that wrestling in MMA is “different.” Chimaev’s takedown defense and skill in scrambles, they argue, would make it challenging for Nickal to impose his will on the mat. Nickal is a former NCAA Division-1 National Champion, but after his last fight at UFC 300 against Cody Brundage, Chimaev had fired off by stating on X, “This wrestling was big bullsh—”. Nickal’s response? “If we ever fight, he’s coming out hot but I’m probably winning first round, second round, third round against this dude and widening the gap. Every day I widen the gap on that guy, to be honest.”

“Mma wrestling different bo won’t be able the keep him down khamzat gonna piece him up on the feet”

In a fight where brute power meets precision, would Bo Nickal’s wrestling grit stand up to Khamzat Chimaev’s ferocity? The allure of such a clash lies not only in their undefeated records but also in the narrative it builds—a battle between two rising stars, each determined to reign in the middleweight division. For now, it’s a dream fight, and the debate rages on. Will the UFC make it happen, and if so, could this be Nickal’s defining moment or just another step in Chimaev’s unstoppable rise? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!