Bo Nickal’s journey from a decorated NCAA wrestling career to the UFC octagon has indeed been a captivating quest. As a three-time NCAA Division I National Champion, Nickal’s transition to MMA has been seamless, with his raw athleticism and dominant wrestling background fueling high expectations. However, still, Nickal’s last win against Paul Craig in UFC 309 did not seem to gain a positive response from fans. Despite the same, one UFC veteran believes 2025 will be a pivotal year for the wrestler-turned-UFC phenom, though he acknowledges the challenges ahead.

It is former UFC champ Chael Sonnen who believes, “Bo Nickal is going to rise to the top. I do not know if the calendar year will quite give him an opportunity. I think he needs 16 months to actually find the belt.” While Nickal’s aspirations of revolutionizing MMA through wrestling remain bold, Sonnen’s insights reveal a deeper issue within the sport.

Appearing recently on the latest episode of Bo Nickal’s podcast on YouTube that premiered on January 7, Chael Sonnen joined the rising MMA star for a candid conversation. During their conversation, it came to light how the lack of NCAA All-American wrestlers under UFC contracts is a glaring anomaly that appeared to Sonnen. And Sonnen didn’t mince words about it. He remarked, “Not only do we not have a top 10 heavyweight who’s an NCAA All-American, but the UFC doesn’t even have one under contract. There isn’t a heavyweight under UFC contract right now who’s an NCAA All-American, let alone someone who’s medaled at Worlds or anything like that. I think that’s surprising.”

Such a revelation from a veteran of the sport further highlights a shift in MMA’s landscape. Wrestling, once regarded as the ultimate foundation for MMA dominance, is no longer sufficient on its own. Sonnen, emphasizing the same, admitted, “It used to be where wrestling alone was enough, and if it wasn’t, you could figure it out in a couple of months of training camp leading into it. MMA is definitely its own sport now, and those guys do deserve credit.”

Nickal, however, during their discussion pointed out the influx of NCAA wrestlers making waves in MMA. Nickal even went on to mention names like Tyler Burger, Austin O’Connor, and Nick Piccininni. Sonnen acknowledged their talent but stressed the evolution of MMA, saying, “I do find myself falling for the idea that whoever the better wrestler is will win, and that’s the way it used to be. But it’s really not.”

Sonnen’s candid observations expose a sobering truth. And that is, the path from collegiate wrestling to MMA superstardom is no longer a straightforward journey. The absence of NCAA All-American wrestlers in the UFC’s heavyweight division underscores the challenges faced by wrestlers adapting to MMA’s multifaceted demands. As Nickal strives to lead a wrestling revolution in MMA, the pressure is on to prove that elite grapplers can still dominate the octagon. Moreover, Sonnen has also shared his take on how he feels NCAA wrestling might be requiring a makeover.

Chael Sonnen reflects on his big issue with NCAA wrestling

Sonnen has rarely shied away from voicing his opinions, and this time, it’s NCAA wrestling that’s in his crosshairs. With his signature sharp wit and deep understanding of the sport, Sonnen has some bold ideas on how to transform NCAA wrestling into a more competitive and engaging spectacle. In the same conversation with Bo Nickal, he didn’t hold back, sharing his thoughts on a major flaw he believes is holding back the sport. And it’s the wrestleback system.

“If I could do one thing, if I had one hope and it wouldn’t just be NCAA but it would be everything. USA Wrestling is more guilty. It is this wrestle back issue,” Sonnen said. He elaborated on how some of the most exciting matchups never happen because of this. Furthermore, Sonnen references his disappointment over missing out on high-stakes matchups like Levi vs. Car and Levi vs. Otuo. And he felt these bouts should have been showcased. His frustration stems from the fact that certain decisions prevent wrestlers from truly proving their worth through the wrestleback process. 

Chael Sonnen also added how he believes these unsung matchups are vital. He stated, “I would like to know the guys that we put third, fourth, fifth, sixth are actually the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth guy.” His vision for NCAA wrestling involves rethinking how wrestlers are ranked and pushing for a system that lets the athletes truly fight for their spots. It’s clear Sonnen’s desire for a makeover is more than just a critique. Rather, it’s a call for change to make NCAA wrestling fairer and more thrilling for fans and competitors alike.