Undoubtedly, Bo Nickal has emerged as a prevailing force within the UFC. He has showcased remarkable prowess and skill in recent times. Amidst his ongoing winning streak, his name came in comparison with Israel Adesanya. Recently, he became a matter of discussion since he was being discussed by the ONE flyweight champion, Demetrious Johnson.
Johnson was part of an extended YouTube interview where he laid his thoughts straight on a hypothetical battle between the middleweight champion and the undefeated UFC middleweight starlet. He went ahead to state Nickal’s weaknesses as compared to Adesanya and how the fight might turn out to be between the two fighters.
How could Israel Adesanya be an uphill climb for Bo Nickal?
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While speaking to former flyweight and bantamweight champion Henry Cejudo on his YouTube channel, a speculated scenario came in front of Johnson. Well, Johnson initially shed light on Israel Adesanya’s takedown abilities. However, Cejudo spontaneously put Bo Nickal in the scenario. The comparison began when Johnson was suddenly asked about Bo Nickal.
Responding to the doubt he said, “See Here is the thing, I like Bo Nickal, The biggest thing about Bo Nickal is that you have a wrestler who hasn’t developed very good kickboxing. What I meant by kickboxing is that his rhythm on his feet. Israel Adesanya, all he has to do is have good takedown defense, mix up the kickboxing, and keep Bo Nickal guessing.”
He further quoted, “Eventually Bo Nickal would take Israel down if they do fight. And Israel can make sure he doesn’t pass his guard be very active off his back they will get standed back up. When they stand back up he has to keep Bo Nickal guessing if he does that he will end up knocking Bono down.”
Johnson undoubtedly sought to convey how Israel Adesanya could knock Bo Nickal out during an MMA match, as was clear from his statements. He predicted that Nickal would find it difficult if Adesanya had a successful takedown for him.
He laid it straight by shedding light on the kickboxing skill of ‘The Last Stylebender’. However, even if the bout happens, Nickal’s wrestling skills would surely hinder Adesanya’s quickness, since his wrestling skills were compared with that of Brock Lesnar in the past. But winning 5 bouts in a row enough?
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Is Bo Nickal the next big thing?
Nickal has certainly taken off with a bang by being compared to people like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Brock Lesnar in such a short period. The UFC fanbase is ecstatic with his incredible winning streak. Despite Nickal’s extensive wrestling experience, he never found transitioning into MMA challenging. However, he has an immensely extreme competition waiting further.
Nickal’s recent victories have undoubtedly given him more confidence. Nickal must hold on to this confidence in the face of the immense obstacles that lay ahead. Many successful MMA competitors with wrestling backgrounds have found success with the appropriate training and commitment. And it seems like Nickal might be the one. Having such a bright prospect ahead, what do you suppose the ceiling height is for Bo Nickal? Could he ever meet Adesanya inside the octagon?
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