Just because you’ve been toiling for years in your domain doesn’t always mean that you’ll be recognized for your efforts. Similarly, despite having spent almost three years in the UFC circuit now, former Penn State wrestler Bo Nickal’s MMA career has yet to take flight. However, the amateur wrestler still remains one of the most iconic collegiate wrestlers, and it seems like the former POTUS still has fond memories of the ex-NLWC star.

While Nickal has recently been spotted lending his expertise to the likes of four-time NCAA gold medalist Carter Starocci, Nickal himself wasn’t too shabby a wrestler during his college days. So much so, that even Donald Trump had to nod his hat to acknowledge the explosive skills that Bo brought to the table, and the latter couldn’t help but grin.

In his latest post on X, Nickal shared a post by betr Combat where Trump can be heard mentioning Nickal and his Penn State days. Captioned, “Thank you Mr President,” the post tags the former White House resident for his kind words. The ex-POTUS was recently the main host of a podcast, and Nickal’s reaction comes as a response to Trump’s statements during the same.

In a recent episode of Impaulsive with social media personality and boxer Logan Paul, Trump was heard briefly mentioning the Penn State wrestler. At one point in the interview, while talking about Dana White and the UFC, it looked like the former President still hasn’t had his share of watching Nickal in the octagon. Speaking about how more and more wrestlers are transitioning into MMA, Trump said, “…there’s someone named Bo Nickal who I think will be great.”

“He’s phenomenal as a fighter,” confessed Donald without beating around the bush too much. While Nickal currently boasts an impressive 6-0 overall record in the UFC, Trump seemed to be more enthralled by the former’s All-American accolades instead, which Bo racked up during his NLWC days.

Bo Nickal’s gusto earned him his colleague’s admiration

As a freestyle wrestler, Nickal was a force to be reckoned with. Having perfected the trick-of-the-trade under the watchful and able guidance of Cael Sanderson, Bo became one of Penn State wrestling’s main driving forces between the years of 2014 and ’19. From 2017, he won the national title three times in a row, only to go on and win the US Open in the 92kg weight class after his collegiate tenure was over. As the nation’s top pinner in the 2017-18 season, he was bestowed with the coveted Schalles Award, along with receiving the NCAA Championship Outstanding Wrestler title as well.

While his dreams of representing the USA in the 2020 Olympics were crushed by fellow teammate David Taylor, even the Olympic gold medalist had to agree that Bo inspired him to push the boundaries. “Bo’s amazing, and I wouldn’t be where I am without Bo,” said Taylor after defeating Nickal at the Olympic Team Trials.

With his past accolades still being a talking point among his peers, it remains to be seen if Nickal can achieve a similar reputation in the MMA circuit in the coming days as well.